Embedded Files
Next Meeting - 08/11/25, 7 PM, Ozark-Dale Library
Focus On the Issues: Foreign Policy (Post 2024 Election Articles)
The Times of Israel: UK to recognize Palestinian state in Sept. unless Israel ends Gaza war, commits to peace
Comment: "British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Tuesday that the UK would recognize a Palestinian state in September unless the Israeli government takes substantive steps to end the war and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, and meets several other conditions, including recommitting to a viable peace process."
"The decision, which was relayed by Starmer to his cabinet and then to the public by way of a statement at 10 Downing Street, was swiftly condemned by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who declared the move 'rewards Hamas’s monstrous terrorism.' "
"The announcement marked a major diplomatic challenge for Israel, coming days after France said it would recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September."
Reuters: Out-gunned Europe accepts least-worst US trade deal
https://www.reuters.com/business/out-gunned-europe-accepts-least-worst-us-trade-deal-2025-07-27/
AP News: Trump says he’s shortening the 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine
Comment: "U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday he is giving Russian President Vladimir Putin 10 to 12 days to stop the killing in Ukraine, shortening a 50-day deadline he had given the Russian leader two weeks ago."
Comment: "Trump had said on July 14 that he would implement 'severe tariffs' on Russia unless a peace deal is reached by early September. On Monday, Trump said he would now give Putin 10 to 12 days, meaning he wants peace efforts to make progress by Aug. 7-9."
"The plan includes possible sanctions and secondary tariffs targeting Russia’s trading partners. The formal announcement would come later Monday or on Tuesday, Trump said."
Comment: We'll see if Trump follows through this time.
Trump says he does not endorse Netanyahu’s claim there is no starvation in Gaza | Donald Trump | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/28/trump-netanyahu-starvation-gaza
Comment: "Donald Trump has said he believes there is a famine in Gaza and he has told Israel that 'maybe they have to do it in a different way.' ”
Comment: Given the gravity of the situation, would you like to see a more forceful statement from the President?
For first time, two leading Israeli human rights groups accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza | CNN
Reuters: French PM says EU-US trade deal an act of 'submission' and a dark day for Europe
EU's pledge for $250 billion of US energy imports is delusional | Reuters
Comment: "But more important than the 15% tariff rate was the apparent commitment by the EU to massively ramp up energy imports from the United States."
"The agreement calls for EU imports of U.S. energy, which currently are mainly crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), of $250 billion a year for three years."
"This is a delusional level of imports that the EU has virtually no chance of meeting, and one that U.S. producers would also struggle to supply."
"Even if the EU did manage somehow to boost its energy imports from the United States to the $250 billion a year mark, it would also prove massively disruptive for energy flows around the rest of the world."
CNN: Trump announces US and EU reached framework for a trade deal
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/27/business/trump-us-eu-trade-deal
Comment: What does "framework" mean? Is the deal finalized and enforceable?
Trump, EU’s von der Leyen strike trade deal for 15 percent tariffs
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5422634-trump-eu-trade-deal-tariffs/
Comment: "President Trump and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced a trade deal on Sunday, setting tariffs at 15 percent for European goods, including automobiles."
"The European Union will purchase $750 billion worth of energy from the U.S. as part of the deal, Trump announced, and agreed to invest in the U.S. $600 billion more than the current investments for other goods."
"The agreement is lower than the 30 percent tariff Trump had threatened to impose on the EU, which would have begun on Aug. 1, and avoids a trade war with the U.S.’s largest trading partner."
Comment: Is the U.S. consumer ready to pay the 15% tariff imposed on imports from the European Union?
Video: In a sharp reversal, Israel says it will open secure routes for aid trucks into Gaza - July 27, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPQ8k5wtTAc
Trump tells Israel to ‘finish the job’ against Hamas weeks after suggesting ceasefire deal in sight | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/25/politics/donald-trump-israel-hamas-war
The Guardian: Israel trying to deflect blame for widespread starvation in Gaza
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/25/israel-deflect-blame-starvation-gaza-hunger
Comment: "Israel is pursuing an extensive PR effort to remove itself from blame for the starvation and killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza in the face of overwhelming evidence that it is responsible."
"As dozens of governments, UN organisations and other international figures have detailed Israel’s culpability, officials and ministers in Israel have attempted to suggest that there is no hunger in Gaza, that if hunger exists it is not Israel’s fault, or to blame Hamas or the UN and aid organisations for problems with distribution of aid."
"The Israeli effort has continued even as one of its own government ministers, the far-right heritage minister, Amichai Eliyahu, appeared to describe an unapologetic policy of starvation, genocide and ethnic cleansing that Israel has denied and said is not official policy."
Video: Trump Says France’s Recognition of Palestine as a State ‘Doesn’t Carry Any Weight’ - July 25, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lyld-GBB2HY
AP News: How France’s recognition of the state of Palestine could shift Middle East dynamics
Comment: "France’s bold decision to recognize the state of Palestine could help to shift conversations about the future of the Middle East, even if it’s unlikely to have an immediate impact for people in Gaza or on Israel’s war with Hamas."
Comment: "Macron has levers to influence world affairs as leader of a nuclear-armed, economically and diplomatically powerful country that also sits at the big table at the United Nations, as one of the five permanent members of its security council."
Reuters: Exclusive: USAID analysis found no evidence of massive Hamas theft of Gaza aid
Comment: "An internal U.S. government analysis found no evidence of systematic theft by the Palestinian militant group Hamas of U.S.-funded humanitarian supplies, challenging the main rationale that Israel and the U.S. give for backing a new armed private aid operation."
Comment: "The U.N. World Food Program says nearly a quarter of Gaza’s 2.1 million Palestinians face famine-like conditions, thousands are suffering acute malnutrition, and the World Heath Organization and doctors in the enclave report starvation deaths of children and others."
"The U.N. also estimates that Israeli forces have killed more than 1,000 people seeking food supplies, the majority near the militarized distribution sites of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the new private aid group that uses a for-profit U.S. logistics firm run by a former CIA officer and armed U.S. military veterans."
ABC News: 'They're losing hope': What doctors, aid workers are seeing in Gaza amid hunger crisis
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/theyre-losing-hope-doctors-aid-workers-gaza-amid/story?id=124031357
NPR: State Dept. cuts China experts as administration says countering Beijing top priority
https://www.npr.org/2025/07/24/nx-s1-5477523/state-department-cuts-china-experts
Comment: "The State Department fired its top experts on the South China Sea and shuttered the office with a key focus on Indo-Pacific security amid a sweeping reorganization earlier this month, leaving gaps in knowledge and experience that are critical to U.S. interests in the region."
"The cut comes as members of President Trump's administration, as well as both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, continue to say security and free navigation of the South China Sea — a busy shipping passage for global trade — remain a priority."
Video: U.N.'s top court says countries must address climate change or face legal action - July 23, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh9EYP5N9ug
The Guardian: ‘We faced hunger before, but never like this’: skeletal children fill hospital wards as starvation grips Gaza
Comment: "For months Israel kept food shipments to Gaza far below starvation rations. Now the death toll is rising rapidly"
Axios: U.S. again withdraws from UNESCO, citing anti-Israel bias and "woke" causes
https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/trump-unesco-withdrawal
Comment: "Why it matters: This is the third UN agency the Trump administration is withdrawing from following earlier decisions to leave the World Health Organization and the Human Rights Council."
"The move further decreases the United States' footprint and influence in international organizations, and experts say the nation's exit will allow China to increase its influence on the UN system."
theguardian.com: Cardinal calls Israel’s policy in Gaza ‘morally unjustifiable’ after visit
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/22/cardinal-pizzaballa-gaza-visit-israel-criticism
Comment: "Pierbattista Pizzaballa condemns blocks on food and warns against plans to force Palestinians to leave territory"
Comment: "Israel’s government is pursuing an 'unacceptable and morally unjustifiable' policy in Gaza, the Catholic Latin patriarch of Jerusalem has said after visiting a church in the territory that was attacked by Israeli forces last week and meeting survivors."
Western nations slam Israel’s ‘drip feeding of aid’ to Gaza as health ministry says 1,000 killed seeking supplies | CNN
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/21/middleeast/western-nations-israel-gaza-aid-latam-intl
Video: Trump White House reportedly growing increasingly frustrated with Netanyahu - July 21, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQPrayiAhqg
ABC News: Scale of Russia-Ukraine drone strikes builds ahead of possible ceasefire talks
The Guardian: Pope condemns Gaza war’s ‘barbarity’ as 93 reported killed by Israeli fire while waiting for food
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/20/pope-condemns-barbarity-of-israel-war-gaza
Video: Trump’s 50-day Russian sanctions pause will cost more lives — and achieve nothing | Hot Takes - July 19, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByanAoYTMhA
Exclusive: Trade partners have realized America is ‘simply not reliable’ after Trump’s tariff regime, says Elizabeth Warren—believing impact will be felt for generations to come
https://fortune.com/2025/07/19/elizabeth-warren-trade-tariff-trump/
CNN: More than 30 killed after Israeli forces open fire on people seeking food in Gaza, health ministry says
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/19/middleeast/israel-gaza-food-aid-shooting-intl
State Department official testifies how Stephen Miller was involved in discussions over student visas and antisemitism
https://www.yahoo.com/news/state-department-official-testifies-stephen-194820929.html
Comment: "The State Department had more than a dozen meetings with the White House – including Stephen Miller, President Donald Trump’s White House deputy chief of staff – and other agencies to discuss the topic of student visas, a top department official said in federal court on Friday."
Comment: "John Armstrong, the senior bureau official in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, described to a judge how the State Department used broad definitions of antisemitism when scrutinizing the speech and activities of non-citizen students and professors the department chose to attempt to remove from the US."
"Armstrong appeared toward the end of a two-week trial in which a group of university professors who say the administration’s efforts to deport individuals over their anti-Israel views is intended to limit protected political speech."
Government memo on pro-Palestinian protesters cautioned that authority Rubio used to strip visas would face scrutiny
Comment: "Action memos on pro-Palestinian protesters sent by government officials to Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the authority he used to strip their visas had never before been used and would likely face scrutiny, a government official testified in court Friday."
"Rubio used what the government says is his authority to find someone deportable 'if the Secretary of State has reasonable ground to believe that the alien's presence or activities in the United States would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States,' citing the Immigration and Nationality Act."
"A section of a government memo that was read in court noted 'it is likely that courts will closely scrutinize this determination' because the basis of it could be considered 'protected speech.' "
Comment: Do you think the Trump Administration cares anything about "protected speech", especially that of a non-citizen protesting Israeli actions?
Rubio Tells All U.S. Diplomats They Have to Talk Like Trump
https://www.yahoo.com/news/rubio-tells-u-diplomats-talk-114255963.html
Comment: "Marco Rubio has instructed U.S. diplomats not to comment on the legitimacy or fairness of foreign elections, breaking with decades of American diplomatic practice."
Comment: "Diplomatic personnel writing official messages are instead instructed to ask themselves: 'Would the President say this?' "
"The move marks a wider shift by the Trump administration to downplay the promotion of democracy and human rights around the globe, as the president increasingly cosies up to autocratic leaders and pushes his 'America First' approach to foreign policy."
Axios: Scoop: Israel seeks U.S. help on deals to move Palestinians out of Gaza
https://www.axios.com/2025/07/18/israel-send-palestinians-gaza-indonesia-ethiopia
Comment: "The director of Israel's Mossad spy agency visited Washington this week seeking U.S. help in convincing countries to take hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Gaza, two sources with knowledge of issue tell Axios."
"The spy chief, David Barnea, told White House envoy Steve Witkoff that Israel has been speaking in particular with Ethiopia, Indonesia and Libya."
"Why it matters: The Israeli government's goal of removing much of Gaza's population is hugely controversial. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government claims such a 'relocation' would be 'voluntary,' U.S. and Israeli legal experts have labeled it a war crime."
In the birthplace of Christianity, churches and communities are coming under attack from Jewish settlers
Comment: "But after centuries of perseverance, the Christian community now faces a modern existential threat only a few miles from where its members’ faith was forged: regular, violent harassment by Jewish settlers who would like to force them and Palestinians of other faiths to leave, and an Israeli government that often turns a blind eye to the settlers’ crimes, according to rights groups and church leaders."
The State Department Guts Its Office Combating Human Trafficking – Mother Jones
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/07/human-trafficking-state-department-jeffrey-epstein/
Comment: "As President Donald Trump takes a beating from his own MAGA crowd for his handling of the case of Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased pedophile and sex trafficker, his State Department pulled a surprising move: It decimated its office combating human trafficking."
"As part of a downsizing, the Trump administration on Friday cut 1,353 positions at State, about 15 percent of its Washington-based staff, and the largest reduction in decades. This Reduction in Force (RIF) targeted foreign policy goals that don’t align with MAGA values. This included closing or eviscerating entire offices that promote democracy, combat genocide and violent extremism, help resolve armed conflicts, and supported women’s rights. Among them was the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, known as the TIP Office."
Video: New assessment shows U.S. strikes only destroyed one of three Iranian nuclear sites - July 17, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Llj4qtI99s
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos: State Department addresses decision to destroy 500 tons of emergency food
Comment: "The State Department is defending its plans to destroy approximately 500 tons of taxpayer-funded emergency food resources, arguing that it represents only a small portion of the food aid the U.S. distributes each year."
"The high-energy, nutrient-dense biscuits have been stockpiled at a Dubai warehouse for months and are set to expire this month, officials familiar with the situation confirmed to ABC News earlier this week."
Comment: "While the remaining stores might also have been transferred or distributed, officials said that contributing factors including USAID staff cuts, policies implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency, and other logistical hurdles had run out the clock."
Comment: Does the destruction of 500 tons of food sound like "government efficiency" to you?
Israel strikes Syria's capital, Damascus, pledging to defend Druze minorities
https://www.npr.org/2025/07/16/nx-s1-5469794/israel-strikes-damascus-syria
Comment: "The fighting comes at a delicate time. The United States has lifted most of its sanctions on Syria and has had warming relations with the Sharaa government. The U.S. has also worked on diplomatic efforts to improve ties between its close ally Israel and Syria."
"U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that the administration was 'very worried about the violence in southern Syria' and remained in 'constant talks' with officials from Israel and Syria. 'We have agreed on specific steps that will bring this troubling and horrifying situation to an end tonight,' Rubio said on social media."
Comment: Since the US supplies much of Israel's weapons, why can't the US exert some leverage in stopping Israeli attacks on a country (new Syrian government) that the US is trying to have a better relationship with?
CNN: US envoy to Israel tells Ireland to ‘sober up’ over occupied Palestinian territories bill
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/16/europe/us-envoy-ireland-palestinian-territories-bill-intl
Comment: " Ireland appears closer to passing a bill that will ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements in occupied territories in the West Bank, sparking sharp criticism from US officials who have signaled the move could harm Dublin’s relationship with Washington."
"US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee accused Ireland of 'diplomatic intoxication' Tuesday in a sharp rebuke of the draft legislation, invoking a derogatory stereotype of the Irish people."
Comment: Is evangelical Mike Huckabee acting like a US ambassador to Israel or an ambassador for Israel? Whose interests is Huckabee representing?
Video: State Dept. Official Asked Why Israel Ambassador Huckabee Attended Netanyahu's Corruption Trial - July 16, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tP9vP1CF18
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos: Trump is signaling a change on Ukraine. What does it mean for Putin?: ANALYSIS
Comment: "If Trump now permits a substantial amount of U.S. weapons to continue to flow to Ukraine, that would mark an important change. Since Trump took office, many in Ukraine and European capitals have thought that might well be the best-case scenario for Ukraine, given the U.S. president's clear hostility to continuing U.S. donations."
"Most of all, it would send a very different message to Putin. For months, Putin has believed, Ukraine's U.S. military backstop has been dissolving under Trump. That has emboldened Putin to push harder in military action against Ukraine. If this deal reverses that, it may start to change Putin's perception."
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos: Russia 'didn’t care' about Trump's weapons for Ukraine, tariff threats, official says
Comment: "Russia continued its nightly bombardment of Ukraine overnight into Tuesday, shortly after President Donald Trump announced his decision to supply Ukraine with new military equipment and White House threats of further economic measures against Moscow."
Comment: "Dmitry Medvedev -- the former Russian president and prime minister now serving as the deputy chairman of the country's Security Council -- was more forthright, writing on social media that the Kremlin was unmoved by what he called Trump's "theatrical ultimatum."
Comment: " 'The world shuddered, expecting the consequences,' wrote Medvedev, who during Moscow's full-scale war on Ukraine has become known as a particularly hawkish voice within Putin's security establishment. 'Belligerent Europe was disappointed. Russia didn't care.' "
Comment: An important Video is included with the article that provides additional information and insight.
The Times of Israel: IDF chief said to call Gaza humanitarian city plan ‘unworkable’ at security meeting
Comment: "Report says Eyal Zamir pushing back on controversial idea, telling PM, Katz that ‘it has more holes than cheese’; Netanyahu said to be ‘determined’ that it go ahead"
Video: Israeli plan to move Gazans into camp near southern border draws criticism - July 14, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNhPaMC7pZg
BBC: Trump threatens 'very severe' tariffs against Russia if no Ukraine deal within 50 days
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c36xrr9kj11t
Comment: "The US president says he'll enforce 100% secondary tariffs on Russia if there's no deal between Russia and Ukraine in 50 days"
"This means any country that continues to do trade with Russia will face a big tax to sell their products to the US"
"Trump also confirmed that "top-of-the-line" weapons would be sent to Ukraine in an operation co-ordinated by Nato and paid for by its members"
Comment: While the threat of secondary tariffs might adversely impact Russia's ability to sell it's oil to other countries, please note that Trump is giving the Russians 50 days before imposing tariffs, while tariffs are imposed on our allies even sooner, on Aug. 1.
Please also note that while tariffs will likely impact Russian product sales, it is the American consumer who ultimately pays the price of all tariffs.
CNN: Trump’s missile announcement provides vital relief to Ukraine – but lack of stricter sanctions against Russia stings
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/14/europe/ukraine-patriot-missle-announcement-trump-russia-intl
Comment: "The good news for Kyiv is familiar. Trump has permitted NATO’s other members to buy American arms – a wide range of them, it seems."
Comment: "But the sting for Ukraine comes in what was not announced: Immediate secondary sanctions against customers of Russian energy, which could significantly empty Moscow’s coffers. The scope of sanctions proposed by a bill in the US Senate – potentially 500% on all trade with those who buy Russian hydrocarbons – would have been devastating."
"And those sanctions would hit China and India – the US’s main rival and key ally respectively – at a time when oil prices are low, but trade turmoil is high. The damage to energy markets would have been palpable, and the US would also have been impacted by likely higher oil prices. But this comes with a significant delay, together with the somewhat toothless threat of sanctions against Russia itself (there is almost no trade to penalize)."
"Fifty days gives Vladimir Putin until September for Trump to change his mind, or for the Russian president’s rumored summer offensive to alter the battlefield reality to the point where Putin is happy to seek a freeze in the conflict."
Trump pledges Patriot missiles for Ukraine to defend against Russia
Comment: Good move, after Pentagon had previously paused weapon shipments to Ukraine?
The Guardian: ‘Humanitarian city’ would be concentration camp for Palestinians, says former Israeli PM
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/13/israel-humanitarian-city-rafah-gaza-camp-ehud-olmert
Comment: "The 'humanitarian city' Israel’s defence minister has proposed building on the ruins of Rafah would be a concentration camp, and forcing Palestinians inside would be ethnic cleansing, Israel’s former prime minister Ehud Olmert has told the Guardian."
"Israel was already committing war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank, Olmert said, and construction of the camp would mark an escalation."
" 'It is a concentration camp. I am sorry,' he said, when asked about the plans laid out by Israel Katz last week. Once inside, Palestinians would not be allowed to leave, except to go to other countries, Katz said."
Video: Palestinian-American dies in West Bank amid controversy over Israel's so-called safe haven plan - July 12, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mhDQXSSRXU
American beaten to death by Israeli settlers in the West Bank
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna218408
Comment: "A 20-year-old American from Florida was beaten to death by Israeli settlers on Friday while visiting relatives in the occupied West Bank, according to his family and the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
Comment: "Hundreds of thousands of Israeli settlers live in developments built in Palestinian territories that are widely considered illegal by the international community. Since October 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, sparking the war in Gaza, violence perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank has surged, often aided or abetted by Israeli security forces."
"Settler attacks include raids on villages, arson targeting homes and farmland, and physical assaults on residents that have regularly turned deadly."
Fortune: Trump's law of the jungle means U.S. trade deals aren't worth the paper they're printed on, trade expert warns
https://fortune.com/2025/07/12/trump-administration-trade-deals-law-of-the-jungle-wto/
Comment: "By dismantling the mechanism that settles international trade disputes, there is no way for countries negotiating with the Trump administration to enforce any bilateral trade agreements. With little incentive to play by the rules, he could simply change the terms of any deal down the road."
Comment: "Hopewell, a professor at the University of British Columbia, argues this erratic and fickle approach to international negotiations is symptomatic of a Trump deal: 'He can simply come back later demanding more. There’s no guarantee it will actually be upheld.' "
"That’s because the president already removed a cornerstone underpinning global commerce during his first administration six years ago when he blocked all appointments to what is essentially the supreme court of the World Trade Organization (WTO) — its Appellate Body."
" 'The WTO is unique amongst international organizations in that its rules are actually legally binding on states. It has teeth,' Hopewell said. Or rather it had teeth."
NPR: Nigeria says it won't accept U.S. deportees: "We have enough problems of our own"
Comment: "LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigeria's government says it will resist pressure from the Trump administration to accept deportees from Venezuela and other third countries."
"In an interview with Nigeria's Channels TV on Friday, Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar said the U.S. was pressuring several African nations to accept foreign nationals whom the U.S. wants to deport."
Comment: "Tuggar's comments mark one of the most high-profile rejections yet of the Trump administration's efforts to deport migrants, under threat of tariffs and visa restrictions for countries that refuse. The U.S. government has not officially confirmed it is pressing African nations to accept third-country nationals."
Comment: Wouldn't the threat of imposing tariffs as an instrument of achieving a foreign policy objective (as opposed to an economic objective) violate the rationale of Trump's April 2nd emergency declaration that gave Trump the power to impose tariffs, rather than the United States Congress?
The Times of Israel: As mistrust in security establishment peaked, PM had IDF chief patted down for wire before meeting
Comment: This is the Netanyahu government that the U.S. backs unconditionally?
BBC: Outrage builds over plan to force all Gazans to southern city
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9dgv7v1d06o
Comment: "According to the plan, Palestinians would be security screened before being allowed in and not permitted to leave."
"Critics, both domestically and internationally, have condemned the proposal, with human rights groups, academics and lawyers calling it a blueprint for a 'concentration camp'. "
Video: Watch "Why some critics want Canada to follow through on 'Elbows up' mantra amid Trump's new tariff threat" on YouTube - July 11, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XEu1Ag7eVk
CNN: State Department is firing more than 1,300 staff on Friday
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/11/politics/state-department-firings
Video: New audio of Trump recounting Putin call about possibility of bombing Moscow: "I have no choice" - July 10, 2025
https://youtu.be/ZSbA5aDYxuE?si=OWh_nYbFIbIARnBJ
Comment: If you listen to Trump's account of the Putin call, do you think the dialogue is realistic? Dialogue like "No way" & "Way"? Really? Do you think the Trump's Moscow bombing threat was real, or an attempt to rewrite history to now appear tough in the face of Putin's continued and increasing aggression against Ukraine?
Foreign leaders turn the Trump sycophancy up to 11
https://www.yahoo.com/news/foreign-leaders-turn-trump-sycophancy-183235816.html
Comment: "It’s not exactly news that foreign leaders – much like their counterparts in the United States – have concluded that flattery is a necessary prerequisite to doing business with President Donald Trump."
Comment: "But even against that backdrop, we’ve entered new and striking territory. As Trump has undertaken a much more transparently transactional second term and busted a series of norms while politicizing his office, it seems foreign leaders have taken notice of the new paradigm."
Comment: "On Wednesday, this took the form of multiple African leaders, expressing support, with some prompting, for Trump to receive his much-coveted Nobel Peace Prize."
"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had gotten the ball rolling on this Monday by signaling he had nominated Trump, and nobody was about to disagree."
Comment: Does anyone else think that Alfred Nobel is probably turning over in his grave?
AP News: UN says if US funding for HIV programs is not replaced, millions more will die by 2029
Brazil’s Lula Squares Up to Trump
https://www.yahoo.com/news/brazil-lula-squares-trump-090230662.html
Brazil draws up plans to retaliate against Trump’s 50% tariff threat | Trump tariffs | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/10/brazil-trump-tariff-threat
Comment: "Brazil threatened to hit back against Donald Trump’s plan to introduce 50% tariffs on its exports with its own 50% tariff on US goods, setting the stage for a precipitous trade war."
" 'If he charges us 50%, we’ll charge him 50%,' Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Brazilian president, told local news outlet Record, a day after Trump threatened to impose steep duties on Brazilian goods and accused the country of conducting a 'witch-hunt' against its former president Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing a trial over his attempt to overturn his 2022 election defeat."
Trump threatens Brazil with 50% tariff and demands Bolsonaro's trial end
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c784ee81y4zo.amp
Comment: "He announced the plan in his latest tariff letter, which was shared on social media."
"In it, Trump accuses Brazil of 'attacks' on US tech companies and of conducting a 'witch hunt' against former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing prosecution over his alleged role in a plot to overturn the 2022 election."
"Responding in a social media post, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said an increase in tariffs on Brazil would be reciprocated, and he warned against any interference in the nation's judicial system."
Comment: How will you feel about paying 50% more for your Brazilian coffee?
CBS News: Russia launches huge attack on Ukraine as Kremlin says its 'quite calm' about Trump's mounting criticism
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-ukraine-war-putin-trump-criticism-drone-attack-deaths/
Comment: "The massive Russian strike came a day after President Trump pledged to send more weapons to Ukraine and directly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin."
" 'I'm not happy with Putin, I can tell you that much right now, because he's killing a lot of people,' Mr. Trump said during a Tuesday cabinet meeting at the White House."
Comment: Although the Russians might be a bit unhappy about the restoration of weapon shipments to Ukraine, do you think Vladimir Putin is actually concerned about Trump's happiness?
Politico: ’Shock. Frustration. Anger.’ Trump’s tariff letters roil Asian allies
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/08/trumps-tariff-letters-roil-asian-allies-00443008
Comment: "The administration's missives reupping — but also delaying — his tariff threats are further souring the mood toward the US ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's trip to the region."
Trump-Netanyahu meeting revives bitterly opposed plan to relocate Palestinians
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna217418
Comment: "President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu kept alive the idea of relocating people from the shattered Gaza Strip on Monday, despite widespread condemnation from close allies, the United Nations and human rights groups, as well as the Palestinians themselves."
"Trump said at his meeting Monday with Netanyahu at the White House that there was 'great cooperation' from Israel's neighbors to take in Palestinians, while Netanyahu said they were 'getting close to finding several countries' willing to do so."
"Neither provided details of the idea, which Arab nations such as Jordon and Egypt have rejected and condemned as forced displacement, which is illegal under international law."
"At a Netanyahu visit to the White House in February, Trump made the surprise announcement that he wanted the United States to take ownership of the Gaza Strip and develop it into 'the Riviera of the Middle East,' before later walking back those plans citing a lack of regional support."
Trump and Netanyahu meet to discuss Gaza deal push
https://www.axios.com/2025/07/08/trump-netanyahu-meet-gaza-white-house
Comment: "One source said the parties agreed that aid in areas of Gaza from which the IDF withdraws will be delivered by the UN or international organizations not affiliated with Israel and Hamas."
Comment: "This means the U.S. and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation will not be able to expand its operations in Gaza and might have to roll back some of them."
CNN: USAID review raised ‘critical concerns’ over Gaza aid group days before $30 million US grant
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/08/us/usaid-gaza-humanitarian-foundation-israel-grant
Comment: "A scathing 14-page document obtained by CNN outlines a litany of problems with a
funding application submitted by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US-backed group established to provide aid following an 11-week Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. The United Nations human rights office says that hundreds of Palestinians have since been killed around private aid sites, including those operated by GHF."
Comment: "Trump administration officials have consistently downplayed and rejected criticisms about GHF. Israel has also disputed media reports, eyewitness and doctor accounts, and Palestinian officials blaming the Israeli military for killing aid-seekers near GHF sites."
Comment: "The previously unreported details in the assessment echo international criticism of GHF’s ability to act as the primary aid distributor to thousands of Gazans living in desperate conditions and highlight how the Trump administration greenlit funding for the group despite career staffers’ concerns."
Comment: " 'Today, Palestinians in Gaza face an impossible choice: starve or risk being shot while
trying desperately to reach food to feed their families,' said a joint statement last week from over 240 NGOs calling for an immediate end to GHF’s operation."
Israeli defence minister plans to move Gaza's population to camp in Rafah
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8rp31lk7mzo
Comment: "Israel Katz told journalists on Monday he wanted to establish a 'humanitarian city' on the ruins of the city of Rafah to initially house about 600,000 Palestinians - and eventually the whole 2.1 million population."
Comment: " 'It is all about population transfer to the southern tip of the Gaza Strip in preparation for deportation outside the strip,' Michael Sfard told the Guardian newspaper."
"The UN has also previously warned that the deportation or forcible transfer of an occupied territory's civilian population is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law and 'tantamount to ethnic cleansing'."
Comment: "Later on Monday, during a meeting at the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about US President Donald Trump's proposal that the US take over post-war Gaza and permanently resettle its population elsewhere."
Video: Rice: Trump 'is systematically shrinking us' from a global superpower to a regional power - July 07, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywK_IDrSoUA
Migrants who were sent to CECOT are the responsibility of US, El Salvador tells UN - ABC News
https://abcnews.go.com/US/migrants-cecot-responsibility-us-el-salvador-tells/story?id=123551909
Comment: "The claims appears to contradict what U.S. officials have been saying."
Comment: " 'The government of El Salvador has confirmed what everyone already knew: the United States controls the fate of the Venezuelans sent to CECOT without due process,' Lee Gelernt, an attorney for the ACLU told ABC News in response to the U.N. report. 'Unbelievably, the U.S. government didn't provide this information to us or the court.' "
Politico: Trump team moves goalposts on tariffs again
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/06/bessent-trump-tariffs-deadline-august-00440522
Comment: "Tariffs will revert back to their April 2 rates on Aug. 1 for countries that fail to nail down new trade deals with the United States, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday, just three days before the Trump administration’s initial July 9 deadline for tariffs to return."
"Bessent told CNN’s 'State of the Union' that the Trump administration would be sending out letters to 100 smaller countries 'saying that if you don’t move things along, then on August 1st, you will boomerang back to your April 2nd tariff level.' "
"The announcement effectively pushes back the tariffs that were originally set in April but had been suspended until July 9, a window the Trump administration used to pursue an ambitious round of dealmaking with other countries aimed at reaching deals to stave off the return of tariffs of between 10 and 50 percent on dozens of countries. It comes as Trump administration officials increasingly hint at difficulties in nailing down deals."
Hegseth falsely cited weapon shortages in halting shipments to Ukraine, Democrats say
https://share.newsbreak.com/dwsqvlb6
Comment: "Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, unilaterally halted an agreed shipment of military aid to Ukraine due to baseless concerns that US stockpiles of weapons have run too low, it has been reported."
Comment: "The decision surprised members of Congress, as well as Ukraine and the US’s European allies. Democrats said there is no evidence that American weapon stocks are in decline."
" 'We are not at any lower point, stockpile-wise, than we’ve been in the three-and-a-half years of the Ukraine conflict,' Adam Smith, a Democrat and ranking member of the House armed services committee, told NBC. Smith said that his staff had 'seen the numbers' on weapon supplies and that there is no justification to suspend aid to Ukraine."
Hegseth halted weapons for Ukraine despite military analysis that the aid wouldn’t jeopardize U.S. readiness
Comment: "The move to halt the weapons shipment blindsided the State Department, members of Congress, officials in Kyiv and European allies, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the matter."
The Times of Israel: UN rights office says more than 600 people killed near Gaza aid sites since late May
Comment: "The UN human rights office says it has recorded at least 613 killings both at aid points run by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and near humanitarian convoys run by other relief groups since GHF began operating in the Strip in late May."
China tells EU it can’t accept Russia losing its war against Ukraine, official says
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/04/europe/china-ukraine-eu-war-intl
Comment: "Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the European Union’s top diplomat that Beijing can’t accept Russia losing its war against Ukraine as this could allow the United States to turn its full attention to China, an official briefed on the talks said, contradicting Beijing’s public position of neutrality in the conflict."
the-independent.com: Israel says Trump’s plan to resettle nearly two million Palestinians from Gaza is ‘still active’
Comment: "The Israeli government said Thursday that Donald Trump's plan to relocate nearly two million Palestinians from Gaza is 'still active,' despite widespread opposition from U.S. allies and warnings from rights groups that it would constitute a war crime."
Comment: "The White House did not deny the plan was still a possibility when asked by The Independent."
CNN: Russia launches record number of drones at Ukraine after latest Trump-Putin phone call
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/03/europe/kyiv-ukraine-strikes-trump-putin-talks-intl-hnk
Comment: "The smell of smoke and explosives saturated the air in Kyiv on Friday as residents emerged from shelters across the city following a record Russian drone attack that came just hours after US President Donald Trump said he had made 'no progress' towards a ceasefire in a call with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin."
Comment: "Asked if he felt he made progress with Putin on a deal with Ukraine, Trump said firmly: 'No.' He added that he was 'very disappointed' with the conversation with the Russian president, whom he believes is 'not looking to stop' the war."
Comment: Do you think Trump is finally realizing that he shouldn't trust Vladimir Putin? If so, do you think Trump will ever stand up to Putin?
Senate Democrats launch investigation into Trump’s pause of Russia sanctions
https://share.newsbreak.com/dwsdlsmj
Comment: "Since President Trump began his second term in January, the United States has not issued any new sanctions against Russia stemming from its invasion of Ukraine — in some cases even easing such restrictions."
Pentagon’s pause on Ukraine munitions raises alarm; Democrats see ‘rogue actors’
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5381627-democrats-criticize-pentagon-halt-ukraine-aid/amp/
Comment: "Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby was the main driver in the decision, which came in early June, according to Politico."
" 'If this is true, then Mr. Colby, who opposed military assistance to Ukraine and even refused to acknowledge that Russia’s actions amounted to an ‘invasion’ of Ukraine in his confirmation hearing, is taking action that will surely result in the imminent death of many Ukrainian military and civilians,' Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) posted Wednesday to social platform X."
The Times of Israel: Likud ministers urge Netanyahu to annex West Bank by the end of the month
Comment: "Senior lawmakers and ministers in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party launched a push on Wednesday urging the premier to annex the West Bank before the end of the Knesset’s summer session on July 27, claiming that he must ride the 'historic achievements' of the war against Iran."
Comment: "The politicians added that 'the strategic partnership, backing and support of the US and President Donald Trump have made it a propitious time to move forward with it now, and ensure Israel’s security for generations.' "
Comment: Do you think it is proper for the U.S. to supply weapons and diplomatic support to Israel so that it can appropriate (steal) land that belongs to others? Do you think Israel's actions will endear it and the United States to its Arab neighbors, including the moderate ones that currently have good diplomatic relationships with the U.S.?
Politico: Inside the Dysfunction at Rubio’s Shrunken National Security Council
Comment: "Since Rubio took over the NSC, he has shrunk its staff by more than half. It now has fewer than 100 people, according to a person familiar with the NSC process. Arguably more importantly, Rubio has imposed changes to what’s called “the interagency process” — a key function of the NSC that involves coordinating policy and messaging across government agencies and departments."
"That process, two people told me, is now one in which important meetings aren’t held, career staffers are often in the dark about what’s expected of them and some people or their institutions try to take advantage of power vacuums. I granted many of those I spoke to anonymity to discuss internal administration dynamics."
Comment: Do you think the problems at the NSC might be the result of Rubio having responsibility for several different roles in the Trump administration, including his job as Secretary of State?
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos: After US and Israeli strikes, some nuclear experts say Iran could be more dangerous
CNN: Iran’s president approves law suspending cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/02/middleeast/iran-suspending-cooperation-iaea-intl
Comment: "It’s unclear when and how the new law will be implemented, but the decision could pave the way for Iran to rebuild its nuclear program without inspections or monitoring from the IAEA. Iran is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which requires members to allow monitoring and inspections of facilities to confirm the peaceful nature of nuclear programs."
US contractors say their colleagues are firing live ammo as Palestinians seek food in Gaza
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-contractors-colleagues-firing-live-194854979.html
Comment: "American contractors guarding aid distribution sites in Gaza are using live ammunition and stun grenades as hungry Palestinians scramble for food, according to accounts and videos obtained by The Associated Press."
"Two U.S. contractors, speaking to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were revealing their employers’ internal operations, said they were coming forward because they were disturbed by what they considered dangerous and irresponsible practices. They said the security staff hired were often unqualified, unvetted, heavily armed and seemed to have an open license to do whatever they wished."
Over 165 major aid groups call for end to Gaza Humanitarian Foundation operations | The Times of Israel
https://share.google/a3GEpFeqtWAq0BJbW
Comment: "More than 165 major international charities and non-governmental organizations, including Oxfam, Save the Children, and Amnesty, call for an immediate end to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. "
" 'Palestinians in Gaza face an impossible choice: starve or risk being shot while trying desperately to reach food to feed their families,' the group says in a joint news release."
Comment: "The call by the charities and NGOs was the latest sign of trouble for the GHF — a secretive US- and Israeli-backed initiative headed by an evangelical leader who is a close ally of US President Donald Trump."
What is fatwa? Iran issues fatwa against Trump, Netanyahu, what it means
Comment: Since the Iranians are personally threatening Trump and Netanyahu, do you think Trump's claim that he ended the 30 year conflict between Israel and Iran (as he claimed at a recent NATO summit) might have been a bit premature? [sarcasm included]
Politico: Trump won’t let other countries score big ‘wins’ in trade talks. Both sides could lose.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/29/us-india-trade-deal-00430438
Comment: "And it underscores how Trump’s all-sticks-and-no-carrot approach to trade talks is making it difficult for even friendly foreign governments to reach an agreement they fear could be political suicide back home — no matter how much the White House threatens their economies."
The Guardian: Tens of thousands flee Gaza City after Israel warns of major offensive
Comment: "The messages on social media from the Israel Defense Forces warned of 'military operations [that] will escalate, intensify, and extend westward to the city centre to destroy the capabilities of terrorist organisations' and directed those living in several crowded neighbourhoods to al-Mawasi, a coastal area much further south that is already overcrowded and has very limited facilities."
Court cancels Israel PM Netanyahu's trial hearings this week
https://www.yahoo.com/news/court-cancels-israel-pm-netanyahus-125546334.html
Comment: "It was unclear whether a social media post by U.S. President Donald Trump influenced the court's decision. Trump suggested the trial could interfere with Netanyahu’s ability to join negotiations with the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Iran."
Comment: "Netanyahu was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust - all of which he denies. He has cast the trial against him as an orchestrated left-wing witch-hunt meant to topple a democratically elected right-wing leader."
Comment: " 'It is INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu,' Trump said in a Truth Social post. He said Washington, having given billions of dollars worth of aid to Israel, was not going to 'stand for this'. "
Comment: Do you think Trump might be trying to influence the Israeli legal system by suggesting that the future of Israeli aid might be tied to Netanyahu's prosecution?
The Guardian: Iran’s nuclear enrichment ‘will never stop’, nation’s UN ambassador says
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/29/iran-nuclear-enrichment-un-ambassador
Second Intelligence Leak Obliterates Trump’s Iran Claim
https://www.yahoo.com/news/second-intelligence-leak-obliterates-trump-183639611.html
Comment: "Intercepted audio captured Iranian officials describing damage at three nuclear sites as 'less devastating than expected' despite 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles being used, The Washington Post reported Sunday."
"The audio marks the second time this week that leaked intelligence contradicts Trump’s claims that Iran’s nuclear program was 'blown up to kingdom come.' Trump, 79, repeated similar lines as recently as Sunday morning in an interview on Fox News."
CNN: UN nuclear watchdog chief says Iran could again begin enriching uranium in ‘matter of months’
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/29/world/iaea-iran-enriched-uranium-intl
The Guardian: Iran will likely be able to produce enriched uranium ‘in a matter of months’, IAEA chief says
Comment: "The UN nuclear watchdog chief has said Iran could produce enriched uranium 'in a matter of months', in an interview in which he also contradicted Donald Trump’s assertion that US strikes had 'completely and totally obliterated' Tehran’s nuclear facilities."
politico.eu: Iran reportedly bans IAEA chief, surveillance cameras from nuclear plants
https://www.politico.eu/article/iran-ban-iaea-chief-rafael-grossi-surveillance-camera-nuclear-plant/
Comment: "Iran decided to ban the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency from its nuclear facilities and to remove surveillance cameras from them, claiming it discovered Israel’s government obtained 'sensitive facility data,' according to media reports Saturday."
Comment: "Iran previously allowed the IAEA to access and inspect its nuclear plants and use sophisticated surveillance devices as a crucial commitment within the nuclear deal Tehran signed with France, Russia, the U.K., the U.S., Germany and the European Union in 2015 to keep its nuclear program under control."
"The first Trump administration withdrew from that deal in 2018. Iran had threatened to remove surveillance cameras during recent negotiations on its nuclear program."
Houthis claim responsibility for morning missile attack on south | The Times of Israel
Comment: Aren't you glad that Trump ended the 30 year conflict between Israel and Iran, as he claimed at a recent NATO summit? [sarcasm included]
The Hill: Rubio condemns Iran’s threats against IAEA chief
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5375459-rubio-condemns-irans-threats-against-iaea-chief/
Comment: "Secretary of State Marco Rubio has condemned calls in Iran for the arrest and execution of Rafael Mariano Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, following the U.S.’s attack on three of Iran’s nuclear sites last week."
Trump Issues Blistering Response After Iran Threatens U.S.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-issues-blistering-response-iran-143348367.html
Comment: "President Donald Trump issued blistering remarks in response to Iran’s Supreme Leader claiming victory over Israel and, by extension, the U.S. In a loaded public message, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had also threatened to attack more U.S. Military bases, further splintering the Middle Eastern country’s relationship with the U.S."
Iran cuts off cooperation with nuclear watchdog
https://www.yahoo.com/news/iran-cuts-off-cooperation-nuclear-170938678.html
Iran Carries Out String of Executions and Arrests
https://share.google/5w4TBLGh76TwYjloo
Comment: "Iran has executed three men convicted of spying for Israel and detained hundreds more civilians in a widening crackdown that rights groups say reflects growing paranoia within the Islamic Republic's leadership following a deadly exchange of strikes with Israel."
Politico: Trump says Iran ‘wants to talk.’ Tehran disagrees.
NBC News: Trump administration exploring $30 billion civilian nuclear deal for Iran
Comment: "The Trump administration in recent days has explored possible economic incentives for Iran in return for the regime halting uranium enrichment, including releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, according to three sources familiar with the discussions."
She Delivered Intelligence Briefs to Trump. Here’s Her Reality Check on the Iran Strikes. - POLITICO
Comment: "So, were the strikes a success, or should we still be worried about Iran’s nuclear capabilities? Perhaps both, according to Beth Sanner, a longtime intelligence official who frequently delivered Trump’s intelligence brief during his first term in office."
AP News: What we know about the damage done to Iran’s nuclear program
Trump rejecting US intel on Iran reflects his distrust of spy agencies | AP News
Comment: "President Donald Trump’s fights with the intelligence community were a running theme of his first term as he raged against an investigation into his campaign’s alleged links to Russia. Now, a sequel is playing out as Trump battles to shape the public's understanding of his foreign policy gamble in Iran."
"An early U.S. intelligence assessment said Iran’s nuclear program has been set back only a few months after American strikes on three sites last weekend. The Republican president has rejected the report and pronounced the program 'completely and fully obliterated.' ”
AP News: Early US intelligence report suggests US strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by months
Comment: "The report issued by the Defense Intelligence Agency on Monday contradicts statements from Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the status of Iran’s nuclear facilities. According to the people, the report found that while the Sunday strikes at the Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites did significant damage, the facilities were not totally destroyed. The people were not authorized to address the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity."
Comment: Do you think the difference might be that one is an intelligence report and that the other was a not so intelligent statement, based not on facts but instead based on wishful thinking and political and face saving considerations?
White House tries to find messaging balance on Trump’s regime change comment - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/23/leavitt-trump-regime-change-comment-00418478
Comment: What is the message? Does anyone know? Will it change tomorrow?
The Guardian: Israel-Iran war live - 6/23/25
Kremlin warns that other nations ready to give Iran nukes: 'Dangerous escalation has begun'
Politico: With Iran Strikes, Trump Is ‘Unchained’
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/06/22/trump-iran-strikes-foreign-policy-00417546
Iran parliament reportedly backs closing Strait of Hormuz, which could spike oil prices
https://www.axios.com/2025/06/22/iran-closure-strait-of-hormuz
Comment: The Iranian parliament is not the final word on closure.
Iran’s foreign minister heading to Russia to meet with Putin after US strikes
Comment: "Abbas Araghchi emphasized the 'strategic partnership' between Tehran and Moscow as he announced the trip just hours after the U.S. targeted three Iranian nuclear sites."
The Guardian: What a difference a week makes: Trump falls into the Netanyahu trap
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/22/trump-falls-into-the-netanyahu-trap-israel-iran-us
White House wary of Iran counterattack as Trump strikes triumphant tone - POLITICO
Comment: "The decision to send American B-2 bombers to attack Iran, the most significant military action of Trump’s presidency, threatens to inject the United States into another Middle East conflict, the kind that Trump and Vice President JD Vance have long promised to avoid. "
Elizabeth Warren demands answers over reports of $500m deal for controversial Gaza Health Foundation
https://www.yahoo.com/news/senator-elizabeth-warren-demands-answers-160736319.html
Comment: "In a letter addressed to Rubio and USAID’s acting administrator, Kenneth Jackson, the Massachusetts senator argued that the GHF, a self-proclaimed aid organisation that is backed by the Israeli and US governments, 'marks an alarming departure from the professional humanitarian organizations that have worked on the ground, in Gaza and elsewhere, for decades'."
CNN: The US may be headed into another Middle East war – and no one is talking about how it ends
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/18/politics/trump-iran-israel-middle-east-conflicts
The Hill: Trump weighs joining Israel in bombing Iran
https://thehill.com/homenews/morning-report/5356515-trump-israel-iran-bombing-decision/
The Guardian: Foreign students to be forced to unlock social media profiles in new US visa rules
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/18/social-media-student-visa-screening
Comment: "Foreign students will be required to unlock their social media profiles to allow US diplomats to review their online activity before receiving educational and exchange visas, the state department has announced. Those who fail to do so will be suspected of hiding that activity from US officials."
Israel says Iran was racing toward a nuclear weapon. US intel says it was years away | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/17/politics/israel-iran-nuclear-bomb-us-intelligence-years-away
Trump demands action from 36 countries to avoid travel ban | AP News
Trump to depart G7 early due to Middle East conflict
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5353826-trump-depart-g7-early-middle-east-conflict/
Fact check: At G7, Trump makes false claims about Trudeau, trade, Ukraine and immigration | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/16/politics/g7-trump-lies-canada-ukraine
Comment: How do you think Trump's false claims impact U.S. credibility abroad?
Trump muses about turning G7 back into G8 — or even the G9 with China | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-putin-g7-china-xi-carney-bdfd3a4201d8b552ef695fa4a2179acb
Comment: "The U.S. leader indicated that he would rather have the G7 become the G8 or possibly even the G9, although Russia and China would notably be authoritarian governments in an organization whose members are democracies."
How Trump went from opposing Israel's strikes on Iran to reluctant support
Trump wants to score trade deals in Canada. He’s unlikely to get them. - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/15/trump-g7-trade-deals-expectations-00405578
Comment: "The lowered stakes reflect the plodding pace of negotiations with economic partners since April, when Trump blew up their trade ties in pursuit of new deals that he’s insisted must be more favorable to the United States. Leaders across Europe are projecting resolve despite the prospect of punishing tariffs come early July."
Trump says 'it's possible' US gets involved in Israel-Iran conflict - ABC News
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-us-gets-involved-israel-iran-conflict/story?id=122865561
State Department cable instructs embassies worldwide to relay U.S. is "not involved" in "unilateral" Israeli strikes on Iran - CBS News
Axios: Trump says Israel and Iran should make a deal to end the war
https://www.axios.com/2025/06/15/trump-israel-iran-end-war
Comment: "What he is saying: 'Iran and Israel should make a deal, and will make a deal, just like I got India and Pakistan to make...we will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place,' Trump wrote Sunday on his Truth Social account."
Comment: Does anyone else think the "deal" will be as simple as Trump thinks it will be?
Trump vetoed Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s supreme leader
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/live-blog/iran-israel-attacks-live-updates-rcna213113
Comment: Live updates on June 15th.
As Trump goes to G7 summit, other world leaders aim to show they're not intimidated | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/trump-g7-fear-summit-taco-trade-117f9034f2a06d23bfbb2de201431c54
Comment: "But many world leaders see fewer reasons to be cowed by Trump, even as they recognize the risks if he followed through on his threats. They believe he will ultimately back down — since many of his plans could inflict harm on the U.S. — or that he can simply be charmed and flattered into cooperating."
Live updates: Waves of airstrikes in Iran and Israel as exchange of fire enters second day
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/live-blog/iran-israel-attack-live-updates-rcna213029
Comment: Live updates on June 14th.
BBC: Was Iran months away from producing a nuclear bomb?
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn840275p5yo
Live updates: Iran launches missile counterattack on Israel after punishing airstrikes
https://www.yahoo.com/news/theres-nothing-left-trump-pushes-120836175.html
‘An Armageddon-Like Response’: What Could Happen Next Between Israel and Iran
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/06/13/hirsh-crocker-q-a-00405637
Iran strikes back at Israel, U.S. helps intercept missiles
https://www.axios.com/2025/06/13/iran-strikes-israel-missiles-tel-aviv
Israel expands strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2025/06/13/nx-s1-5432607/israel-strikes-iran-nuclear-facilities-expand
Israel hits Iran’s nuclear program and military leadership in unprecedented strikes
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/12/middleeast/israel-iran-strikes-intl-hnk
Reuters: US denies offering Mexico tariff relief in exchange for probing high-level politicians
Mother Jones: How El Salvador’s Government Impeded a Probe of MS-13
AP News: With Trump as ally, El Salvador’s President ramps up crackdown on dissent
Comment: "The Saturday arrest of Anaya, a fierce critic of Bukele, marks the latest move in what watchdogs describe as a wave of crackdown on dissent by the Central American leader. They say Bukele is emboldened by his alliance with U.S President Donald Trump, who has not only praised him but avoided criticizing actions human rights defenders, international authorities and legal experts deem authoritarian."
ProPublica: “Delay, Interfere, Undermine”
Comment: "Investigation Impeded: Despite Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele’s crime fighter reputation, his top aides blocked extraditions of MS-13 leaders to the U.S., officials say."
"Money Laundering Inquiry: U.S. agents drew up a request to examine whether Bukele and senior officials had diverted USAID funds to help out MS-13 gang members."
"Salvadoran Allies Threatened: Law enforcement officials had to flee El Salvador after facing harassment and threats from the country’s government."
CNN: What Trump really means when he says ‘our deal with China is done’
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/12/business/on-the-trump-show-nightcap
ABC News: China appears to downplay US trade deal Trump said was 'done'
https://abcnews.go.com/International/china-appears-downplay-us-trade-deal-trump/story?id=122763770
The Hill: Vladimir Putin has incurred one million casualties in his pointless war
US preparing to partially evacuate Iraq embassy over regional security risks, sources say | Reuters
Reuters: US pushes Mexico to prosecute, extradite politicians with cartel ties
Comment: "The requests - raised at least three times by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his team in bilateral meetings and conversations with Mexican officials - seek to push President Claudia Sheinbaum's government to investigate current elected officials and launch an unprecedented crackdown on narco corruption, four people familiar with the matter said."
‘America’s reputation is on the line’: Republican senators chide Hegseth over Ukraine - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/11/mcconnell-hegseth-ukraine-fight-00399719
Comment: "The exchange between McConnell and Hegseth offered a rare high-profile window into the Republican party’s widening foreign policy gap. McConnell voiced a Reagan-era international view of American leadership, while Hegseth articulated a more restraint-oriented, America First approach favored by many of Trump’s allies."
NPR: U.S.-China trade talks continue for a 2nd day in London
https://www.npr.org/2025/06/10/g-s1-71676/us-china-trade-talks-london
‘It’s made up’: Democrats say Rubio isn’t playing it straight about foreign aid cuts
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/09/rubio-pepfar-aids-usaid-democrats-00392794
Comment: "The State Department would not provide data to support the secretary’s repeated claim that 85 percent of the US global AIDS program is operational."
CNN: US State Department orders embassies to resume processing Harvard student visas
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/09/politics/harvard-student-visas-resume-processing
Comment: "The US State Department ordered diplomatic posts around the world to 'resume processing' of Harvard University student and exchange visitor visas on Friday after a judge halted President Donald Trump’s latest attempt to block international students from coming to the institution."
Israel intercepts Gaza-bound aid ship, detaining Greta Thunberg and other prominent activists
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/08/middleeast/freedom-flotilla-gaza-aid-ship-thunberg-intl-hnk
BBC: Israel is accused of the gravest war crimes in Gaza
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0r1xl5wgnko
Graham’s ‘bone crushing’ Russia sanctions bill could freeze US trade with the world’s largest economies
Comment: "The proposed 500 percent tariffs on countries that buy Russian energy could cut the U.S. off from major trade partners."
U.S. hits International Criminal Court judges with sanctions over investigation into Israel
Comment: "Within minutes of the administration’s announcement, the court condemned its actions. 'These measures are a clear attempt to undermine the independence of an international judicial institution,' ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah said in a statement."
CNN: Trump compares Ukraine-Russia war to kids’ brawl: ‘Sometimes you’re better off letting them fight’
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/05/politics/ukraine-war-trump-kids-fighting
Comment: "For months, President Donald Trump has voiced varying degrees of optimism that he – and only he – will be able to resolve the conflict in Ukraine."
"But halting progress, ever-more deadly drone attacks and unmoving negotiating positions seem to have taken their toll. On Thursday, Trump used a striking analogy to concede the warfare was nowhere near over, and that he did not, at that moment, feel it was best to intervene."
The Guardian: Kremlin and Trump aides raise nuclear war fears after Ukraine drone strike
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/04/ukraine-russia-nuclear-war-fears
Comment: "Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia will respond to Kyiv’s attacks on nuclear-capable aircraft at airfields"
AP News: These satellite photos show Russian bombers Ukraine says it destroyed
NBC News: Almost 1 million Russian troops killed or wounded in Ukraine war, study says
Politico: Ukrainian delegation to brief senators amid Russia sanctions push
Russia sets out punitive terms at peace talks with Ukraine
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-ukraine-talk-about-peace-are-still-far-apart-2025-06-02/
BBC: IDF says roads to Gaza aid centres are 'combat zones' as sites close for day
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnv18gp4rdzo
BBC: Killings near Gaza aid centre will deepen criticism of Israel's new distribution system
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8jgk1w320lo
BBC: UN calls for investigation into killings near Gaza aid site
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c753e0p29z0o
Comment: "The UN secretary-general has called for an independent investigation into the killing of Palestinians near an aid distribution centre in Gaza on Sunday, amid disputed reports that Israeli forces had opened fire on people waiting to collect aid."
ABC News: As Ukraine and Russia step up attacks, the Trump administration steps back: ANALYSIS
Axios: Scoop: U.S. nuclear deal offer allows Iran to enrich uranium
https://www.axios.com/2025/06/02/iran-nuclear-deal-proposal-enrich-uranium
Comment: "White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have said publicly that the U.S. will not allow Iran to enrich uranium and will demand the full dismantlement of Iran's nuclear facilities. The secret proposal shows far more flexibility on both points."
After talks with Zelenskyy and Macron, US senators warn: Putin 'is preparing for more war’
https://www.yahoo.com/news/putin-preparing-more-war-us-151333586.html
CNN: US senators meet with Zelensky in Kyiv as doubt cast over upcoming Ukraine-Russia peace talks
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/31/europe/senators-zelensky-ukraine-russia-sanctions-intl-hnk
Comment: "A bipartisan pair of US senators met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Friday and urged stronger sanctions against Russia, while uncertainty swirls over whether the next round of peace talks will move ahead in the coming days."
North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to help Russia 'terrorize Ukraine,' report finds
Comment: "Russia has deployed thousands of North Korean soldiers and weaponry to “terrorize” Ukraine, according to a new report by members of the United Nations which reveals a 'myriad of unlawful activities,' and exposes Moscow's reliance on the isolated regime."
Hamas responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal
Comment: "The office of Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy to the Middle East, said in a statement on social media on Saturday that it had received Hamas' response to the proposal, but it was 'totally unacceptable and only takes us backward.' "
Israel’s ‘violations’ in Gaza make world more dangerous, Norway warns
Comments: "Low respect for international law and human rights set worrying precedent, international development minister says"
The Guardian: Pete Hegseth calls on Asia to boost military spending in face of ‘imminent’ threat from China
US defense secretary warns Indo-Pacific allies of ‘imminent’ threat from China
https://apnews.com/article/us-hegseth-speech-china-taiwan-7a0ee0860be972f5f9eeca09926ecd85
Hegseth reassures allies that US will support them against Chinese aggression
https://share.newsbreak.com/dc7rvgj0
China forms new global mediation group with dozens of countries
Comment: "The support of developing countries signaled Beijing’s rising influence in the global south amid heightened geopolitical tensions, partly exacerbated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs."
Axios: Trump claims China has "totally violated" tariff pause deal
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/30/trump-china-tariffs
Macron to China: Keep North Korea out of Ukraine war or risk NATO coming to Asia
https://www.politico.eu/article/macron-china-keep-north-korea-out-ukraine-nato-to-asia/
The Times of Israel: Israel to block Saudi-led delegation of Middle Eastern ministers from visiting West Bank
Food for Gaza decays in Jordan warehouses as Israel restricts aid
https://www.npr.org/2025/05/30/g-s1-69815/gaza-food-aid-decays-jordan-israel
Chaos and deadly gunfire erupt again as starving Palestinians seek food at new distribution sites
BBC: Israel announces major expansion of settlements in occupied West Bank
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1j5954edlno
BBC: Gaza warehouse broken into by 'hordes of hungry people' says WFP
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0qg5z4lkj0o
CNN: US State Department orders embassies to ‘immediately begin additional vetting’ for anyone seeking a visa to travel to Harvard
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/30/politics/harvard-visas-state-department-vetting
Video: 'Humiliated by Putin': Trump frustrated with Putin amid stalled peace negotiations - May 30, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEnPgGWNSeA
AFRICOM chief warns China attempting to 'replicate' US assistance as Washington pulls back - Breaking Defense
Comment: "Gen. Michael Langley's warning comes amid the Pentagon's rebalancing of priorities and drastic cuts to foreign aid programs."
Rubio outlines plans to drastically cut human rights offices in State
https://share.newsbreak.com/dc8bz3oo
Politico: ‘It’s wild’: State Department, others struggle to comprehend Chinese visa plan
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/29/state-department-chinese-student-visas-00375568
Comment: "State Department has yet to issue instructions on its visa ban, which could affect tens of thousands of Chinese students."
Trump fires historians who wrote nonpartisan accounts of US foreign policy
https://share.newsbreak.com/dc8mmeiz
BBC: Germany's Merz promises to help Ukraine produce long-range missiles
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpw7vllepx7o
NPR: Rubio says U.S. will 'aggressively' revoke visas for many Chinese students
The New Republic: Trump Branded With Embarrassing Nickname Over Tariff Confusion
https://newrepublic.com/post/195780/donald-trump-nickname-tariffs-taco
Reuters: Netanyahu says Hamas Gaza chief Mohammed Sinwar has been eliminated
Trump appears to give Putin "two week" deadline on Ukraine - BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyn3vqex47o
The Independent: Former Russian president threatens Trump with World War III after Putin criticism
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/trump-putin-russia-ukraine-war-b2759110.html
Trump is losing patience with Putin but unsure of his next move - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/27/trump-putin-sanctions-patience-00371571
Comment: "Lawmakers see an opening for more sanctions on Russia, but the president is undecided."
New U.S.-backed aid distribution system in Gaza quickly overwhelmed | PBS News
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/new-u-s-backed-aid-distribution-system-in-gaza-quickly-overwhelmed
How is the new Gaza aid plan supposed to work -- and why are so many aid groups against it?
https://share.newsbreak.com/d9uweixr
Thousands of Israeli nationalists chant 'death to Arabs' during annual procession through Jerusalem | AP News
Comment: "Chanting 'Death to Arabs' and singing 'May your village burn,' groups of young Israeli Jews made their way through Muslim neighborhoods of Jerusalem’s Old City on Monday during an annual march marking Israel’s conquest of the eastern part of the city."
Ukraine free to strike any Russian military facility after West lifts all range restrictions, Germany says
https://share.newsbreak.com/d9vtnrgl
Video: 'Finally seeing the real Putin': McFaul reacts to Trump's comments on Russian attack - May 26, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv8jzQGMljA
Video: Trump: ‘I don’t know what the hell happened to Putin’ - May 26, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pvkwnCbo87s
Ukraine says Russia launched its biggest drone attack yet, part of an escalating campaign | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-drones-missiles-b34e72f0856b0f19219076463cce0414
Trump extends trade deal deadline for EU after ‘good call’ with commission leader
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5318236-eu-seeks-to-lower-trump-trade-tensions/
Comment: What will be the position tomorrow?
Politico: Trump grants extension to European Union on tariff hike
Comment: "The new date is July 9."
The Hill: Wendy Sherman: China watching Russia-Ukraine conflict to gauge moves on Taiwan
https://thehill.com/homenews/5318010-china-taiwan-russia-ukraine-relations/
The Times of Israel: US National Security Council staff fired en masse, including Mideast, Israel, Iran chiefs
Axios: Israel is losing almost all its allies as it forges on in Gaza
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/25/israel-isolated-criticism-gaza-operation-aid
Politico: World Food Programme director calls food situation in Gaza ‘a catastrophe’
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/25/cindy-mcain-food-situation-gaza-catastrophe-00369715
ABC News: US military shifts messaging in Africa, telling allies to prepare to stand more on their own
US ‘silence’ encouraging Putin, says Zelensky, after Russia launches record air assault | CNN
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/24/europe/russia-ukraine-kyiv-attack-prisoner-swap-intl-hnk
Russia launches war's largest air attack on Ukraine, kills at least 12 people | Reuters
Axios: Scoop: Trump, Rubio take aim at National Security Council's "Deep State"
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/white-house-national-security-council-trump-rubio
Reuters: Canada's crude oil shift to China schools Trump in unintended consequences
Axios: Thune threatens Putin with sanctions on Russia
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/22/senate-thune-russia-sanctions-trump-putin-ukraine
Catholic Relief Services loses federal funds for 11 of 13 international food aid programs
AP News: UK agrees to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in a deal it says protects a key US base
ABC News: Trump confronts South Africa's president in Oval Office, pushes false claims of white genocide
Pentagon says it has accepted Boeing jet from Qatar that will be used for Trump - CBS News
AP News: Netanyahu promises new Gaza aid delivery plan as supplies still fail to reach Palestinians
NPR: U.S. Ambassador Huckabee is 'outraged' at European leaders for condemning Israel
https://www.npr.org/2025/05/21/nx-s1-5404970/ambassador-israel-mike-huckabee-interview
Comment: Could it be that Huckabee's fundamentalist Christian background is biasing his perception of Israel's recent actions regarding the blockade of food to starving inhabitants of Gaza?
NPR: U.K. suspends free trade talks with Israel and announces sanctions
https://www.npr.org/2025/05/21/nx-s1-5406072/uk-israel-free-trade-sanctions-palestinians-west-bank
Comment: "Pressure from close allies is mounting on Israel following a nearly three-month blockade of supplies into Gaza that led to famine warnings. Even the United States, a staunch ally, has voiced concerns over the hunger crisis."
CNN: New intelligence suggests Israel is preparing possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, US officials say
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/20/politics/intelligence-israel-possible-strike-iran-nuclear-facilities
The Guardian: Australia demands Israel allow aid into Gaza, stating ‘the population faces starvation’ in joint statement
Axios: Trump's deference to Putin stunned European leaders on call
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/trump-putin-call-european-leaders-zelensky
Reuters: EU, Britain go ahead with new Russia sanctions without waiting for Washington
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-adopts-new-sanctions-against-russia-kallas-says-2025-05-20/
The Guardian: UK and Europe target Russia with major sanctions after Putin-Trump call
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/20/sanctions-russia-uk-europe-putin-trump-call
Peace in Ukraine looks further away after Trump’s call with Putin | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/20/politics/trump-putin-russia-ukraine-ceasefire-talks
Reuters: Trump says Russia, Ukraine agree to immediate ceasefire talks, Kremlin offers no timeframe
BBC: Trump-Putin call exposes shifting ground on Ukraine peace talks
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4ge7jq0px2o
NPR: Trump and Putin talk more than 2 hours, but there's no Russia-Ukraine ceasefire
https://www.npr.org/2025/05/19/nx-s1-5403585/trump-calls-putin-zelenskyy-russia-ukraine-war-talks
Trump says ceasefire negotiations between just Russia and Ukraine to start 'immediately'
Comment: " 'The question is, of course, that the Russian and Ukrainian sides show their maximum desire for peace and find the compromises that would suit all parties,' Putin added."
Comment: What "compromises" would suit Vladimir Putin? How much will Ukraine be compromised?
The Hill: Pentagon touts major defense partnership with United Arab Emirates
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5308000-pentagon-major-defense-partnership-united-arab-emirates/
The Guardian: Alarm over defence agreement giving US ‘unhindered access’ to Danish airbases
The Guardian: Netanyahu vows to ‘take control’ of Gaza as UK, France and Canada threaten action against Israel
The Times of Israel: Netanyahu defends Gaza aid resumption, acknowledges step stemmed from allies’ pressure
The Hill: Rubio says ‘we’ll find out pretty soon’ if Russia is ‘tapping us along’ in Ukraine talks
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5306613-rubio-optimism-kremlin-ukraine-peace-talks/
Comment: How much evidence does the administration need before determining that Russia is stalling for time?
CBS News: Rubio says intelligence community is incorrect in assessment of Tren de Aragua: "They're wrong"
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marco-rubio-intelligence-community-tren-de-aragua/
Comment: Why do we spend so much money on the intelligence community, if Trump administrative officials are just going to ignore any assessments that conflict with the political narrative they are trying to convey to the public?
BBC: Israel says it will allow 'basic amount' of food into Gaza, ending 10-week blockade
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy90d929yyno
Axios: Israeli Cabinet approves resuming immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/18/gaza-humanitarian-aid-israel
CNN: Israel begins extensive Gaza ground operation after intense airstrikes kill more than 100 overnight
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/18/middleeast/israel-gaza-peace-talks-millitary-operation-intl \
Axios: U.S. presses Israel and Hamas to accept updated offer for Gaza ceasefire
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/18/gaza-ceasefire-hamas-trump
Colombia seeks to join China-based development bank as Latin America drifts away from Washington
https://www.yahoo.com/news/colombia-seeks-join-china-based-134115422.html
Officials across US government scramble to implement Trump’s surprise Syria announcement
https://www.yahoo.com/news/officials-across-us-government-scramble-130050696.html
Comment: " 'This was not an off-the-cuff decision by the president. The possibility had been discussed for months, but Trump barreled far beyond what was happening at the working level,' said a source familiar with the discussions."
The Guardian: Israel accused of ethnic cleansing after more than 140 killed in Gaza in 24 hours
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/17/israel-gaza-ethnic-cleansing-palestinian-death-toll
The Guardian: Trump to talk to Putin on Monday about Ukraine ceasefire proposal and trade
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/17/trump-putin-zelenskyy-social-media-clintons-walmart
The Hill: Trump shows signs of losing patience with Putin amid offer of meeting
Comment: "The Russian leader says he ultimately wants the promise of a better U.S. relationship but has shown little willingness to offer any concessions when it comes to Ukraine."
"Trump, on the other hand, is critical of U.S. military support for Ukraine and wants to get into business with Russia. And the president views the war as needlessly destructive to both people and property."
AP News: After Putin is a no-show at talks in Turkey, Trump says he’ll meet the Russian leader soon
Comment: Would Putin find it advantageous to deal with Trump rather than Zelenskyy?
politico.eu: European leaders want to turn screws on Putin after delayed Turkey talks
https://www.politico.eu/article/european-leaders-turn-screws-putin-delayed-turkey-talks/
Axios: Russia and Ukraine far apart on ceasefire in first meeting in 3 years
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/16/russia-ukraine-ceasefire-talks-turkey
Politico: Hegseth briefly paused cyber ops against Russia as part of negotiations, GOP Rep. Bacon says
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/16/hegseth-cyber-operations-russia-pause-00354072
The Guardian: Trump says people in Gaza are starving and US will take care of situation
Comment: Details on how we "will take care of situation?"
NBC News: Trump administration working on plan to move 1 million Palestinians to Libya
Comment: Did anyone ask the Palestinians if they wanted to go to Libya?
CNN: Head of controversial new Gaza aid group says he won’t be part of displacing Palestinians, urges UN to participate in plan
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/16/middleeast/israel-gaza-humanitarian-foundation-interview-latam-intl
CNN: Israel ramps up strikes in Gaza, killing dozens, as Trump floats ‘freedom zone’
Comment: "But on Thursday, he said he wanted the US to 'take' Gaza and turn it into a 'freedom zone.' "
Comment:" 'I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good, make it a freedom zone, let the United States get involved and make it just a freedom zone,' Trump said in Qatar."
Russia and Ukraine agree to swap prisoners but no ceasefire after Turkey talks
https://www.npr.org/2025/05/15/nx-s1-5399199/ukraine-russia-talks-turkey-zelenskyy-putin
Axios: Scoop: U.S. presented Iran with nuclear deal proposal
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/15/iran-deal-proposal-witkoff-enrichment
AP News: UN aid chief defends using 'genocide' in Gaza remarks to the Security Council that Israel rejects
NBC News: Is Syria's new president a U.S. ally or enemy?
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/syrias-new-president-us-ally-enemy-rcna206861
Axios: Trump meets Syrian president al-Sharaa, ex-jihadist who toppled Assad
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/14/trump-meets-syria-president-sharaa
Video: CNN takes a close look at Trump's family business ties to the Middle East - May 14, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC88Mrq-Ezw
Noem's claim that Afghan refugees can safely return to their Taliban-ruled homeland is 'just absurd,' advocates say
Comment: "Lawmakers, including some Republicans, said the administration was jeopardizing the lives of those who had stood by the United States.
Axios: Israel agrees to resume Gaza aid after two month freeze, foundation says
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/14/israel-resume-gaza-aid-foundation
The Guardian: Israel’s ‘no hunger in Gaza’ narrative flies in face of obvious evidence
Video: CNN: UN aid chief calls on Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/14/world/video/un-aid-chief-address-israel-gaza-blockade-ldn-digvid
India pushes back on Trump claiming credit for India-Pakistan ceasefire
The Guardian: Putin will not travel to Istanbul for peace talks with Zelenskyy, Kremlin confirms
The Hill: Ukraine’s allies prepare to call Putin’s bluff on peace talks in Turkey
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5300841-ukraine-russia-summit-talks-trump/
The Guardian: Ukraine war briefing: Europe ready with sanctions if no ceasefire after Istanbul talks
Zelenskyy repeats vow to wait in Turkey for face-to-face talks with Putin | Volodymyr Zelenskyy | The Guardian
CNN: Bullying only leads to self-isolation, Xi says day after US-China tariff truce
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/12/business/china-xi-comments-us-tariff-war-intl-hnk
The Guardian: Monday briefing: Is Israel using starvation as a weapon of war?
NPR: The U.S. has a plan for getting food into Gaza. Top aid groups object to the idea
https://www.npr.org/2025/05/11/nx-s1-5395011/israel-new-gaza-aid-plan-us
Comment: "Gaza's population would be forced to move south in order to receive aid in a new zone cordoned off by Israel's military ....."
Satellite images show Russian military buildup near Finnish border - Helsinki Times
India and Pakistan accuse each other of violating ceasefire hours after reaching deal
https://apnews.com/article/india-pakistan-missiles-air-bases-1de0ca13c13899f0bd3530b4808d45ad
Axios: Trump announces "full and immediate" ceasefire between India and Pakistan
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/10/trump-india-pakistan-ceasefire
NBC News: Trump envoy relied on Kremlin interpreter in meetings with Putin to end war in Ukraine
Axios: Scoop: UAE tells Israel it won't work with new Gaza aid mechanism "as it stands"
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/09/uae-gaza-humanitarian-foundation-israel
CNN: US admits its new aid plan would initially only feed 60% of Gaza, as UN rejects proposal
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/09/middleeast/us-gaza-aid-plan-un-rejection-intl
BBC: US confirms plan for private firms to deliver Gaza aid despite UN alarm
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp92rlm300mo
Pentagon considers shifting Greenland to US Northern Command, sparking concerns over Trump’s ambitions for the territory | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/09/politics/pentagon-greenland-northern-command
ABC News: Danish leader says 'You cannot spy against an ally' after reports of US gathering intel on Greenland
The Guardian: Denmark to summon US envoy over report of Greenland spying directive
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/07/greenland-spying-surveillance
US intelligence agencies told to ramp up spying on Greenland as Trump eyes takeover
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/us-intelligence-agencies-told-ramp-005618753.html
Politico: Pelosi warns the US needs NATO too
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/07/pelosi-warns-the-us-needs-nato-too-00334512
NBC News: Prime Minister Mark Carney tells Trump that Canada is 'not for sale' as the two leaders meet to discuss tariffs
Carney says Canada is "not for sale, it won't be for sale, ever" in Oval Office meeting with Trump - CBS News
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-mark-carney-canada-meeting/
Reuters: Order by Hegseth to cancel Ukraine weapons caught White House off guard
CNN: Trump’s trade war with Canada has backfired on America. Now he has a crucial meeting with Mark Carney
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/06/business/canada-trump-carney-trade-war-tariffs
Trade negotiations: Trump officials will meet with China | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/06/politics/negotiations-trade-china-trump
Israel lobbying Trump to visit during Middle East trip
https://www.axios.com/2025/05/06/trump-visit-israel-during-middle-east-trip
PBS: An Israeli plan to seize the Gaza Strip is met with alarm
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/an-israeli-plan-to-seize-the-gaza-strip-is-met-with-alarm
BBC: Israel strikes Yemen's main airport in Sanaa
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7050j07gedo
How Trump’s walkaway diplomacy enabled Israel’s worst impulses | Trump administration | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/06/trump-diplomacy-israel-gaza-war
Reuters: Restrictions on aid deliveries by foreign governments may violate law, US lawmakers say
AP News: Gaza aid dries up as Israeli blockade enters a third month
https://apnews.com/article/gaza-aid-hunger-israel-hamas-b7429c043bc9d01717713eab21bae546
The Guardian: Gaza will be entirely destroyed, Israeli minister says
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/06/hamas-israel-hunger-war-in-gaza
CNN: Netanyahu vows to relocate Gaza’s population after security cabinet approves plan to ‘conquer’ the enclave
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/05/middleeast/israel-gaza-expansion-hnk-intl
BBC: Israel cabinet approves plan to 'capture' Gaza - official
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy04km1zk0o
BBC: Americans used to be steadfast in their support for Israel. Those days are gone
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr4n90g6v9qo
The Independent: Israeli cabinet approves plan to capture all of Gaza and keep its soldiers there indefinitely
PBS: Sheinbaum says she rejected Trump’s plan to send U.S. troops across the border to Mexico
BBC: Netanyahu vows response after Houthi missile hits near Israel's main airport
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyvqr00278no
Video: John Bolton slams Trump negotiator: ‘Hard to imagine a less qualified person’
https://www.yahoo.com/news/john-bolton-slams-trump-negotiator-232722727.html
Video: State Dept. official appears caught off-guard by Cabinet shakeup | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/01/politics/video/bruce-rubio-state-department-waltz-trump-atwood-digvid
Trump news at a glance: Rubio now holds four titles after Waltz out as national security chief | Trump administration | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/02/president-trump-administration-news-updates-today
Marco Rubio Now Has 4 Different Roles in Trump Admin After Shuffling of Mike Waltz
https://people.com/marco-rubio-four-different-roles-trump-administration-11726691
Trump nominates Waltz as UN ambassador, Rubio as national security adviser
https://thehill.com/homenews/5277929-mike-waltz-un-ambassador-rubio-nsc/
Rubio’s Team Launches ‘Witch Hunt’ for Staff Who Criticized Alex Jones
https://www.yahoo.com/news/rubio-team-launches-witch-hunt-010005257.html
AP News: US and Ukraine sign minerals deal after Trump presses Kyiv to pay back US for helping repel Russia
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-trump-peace-ce025ba11929ceff0c90f94c25a47624
Politico: White House looking for other countries to accept deportees
NDTV: Canada Election Results LIVE: After Liberals' Victory, Mark Carney Says Old Relationship With US 'Is Over'
Axios: Scoop: Rubio looks to cut security coordinator role for West Bank, Gaza
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/29/state-dept-cut-west-bank-security-coordinator
The Guardian: I used to run Israel’s security agency – now I’m sounding the alarm about our extremist government | Ami Ayalon
WIRED: As Measles Cases Surge, Mexico Issues a US Travel Alert
https://www.wired.com/story/as-measles-cases-surge-mexico-issues-a-us-travel-alert/
Comment: RFK Jr.'s measles problem goes international?
CNN: China rejects Trump’s claim that Xi has called him by phone
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/28/china/china-rejects-trump-claim-xi-call-intl-hnk/index.html
AP News: Putin thanks North Korea for troop deployment and promises not to forget their sacrifices
BBC: Beijing seizes tiny sandbank in South China Sea
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/creqp4lxnl4o
AP News: Shocked by US peace proposal, Ukrainians say they will not accept any formal surrender of Crimea
NBC News: Trump doubts Putin is willing to end the Ukraine war
PBS: After meeting with Zelenskyy, Trump expresses doubts Putin is willing to end the Ukraine war
Yahoo Finance: South Korea to approach trade talks with US 'cautiously', industry minister says
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/south-korea-approach-trade-talks-112359965.html
Axios: U.S. and Iran conclude third round of nuclear talks and agree to meet again next week
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/26/us-iran-nuclear-talks-meet-next-week
The Intercept: Marco Rubio Silences Every Last Little Criticism of Israel at State Department
https://theintercept.com/2025/04/26/rubio-israel-leahy-law-state-department-human-rights/
NPR: Trump has his old friend Steve Witkoff leading his toughest diplomatic talks
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/25/nx-s1-5364884/trump-witkoff-russia-iran-middle-east
Comment: "But this is Witkoff's first foray into international diplomacy — and that has worried policy experts in the field."
AP News: While the world watches Gaza, here is what’s happening in the West Bank
Reuters: Beijing accuses Washington of 'misleading the public' about trade talks
NBC News: Trump says the U.S. and China are 'actively' discussing tariffs. Beijing says that's false.
Reuters: China pushes for tariff cancellation to end US trade war
https://www.reuters.com/world/china-pushes-tariff-cancellation-end-us-trade-war-2025-04-24/
Comment: China's version of "The Art of the Deal."
CNN: US allies express alarm at Trump’s plan to let Russia keep most of the land it seized from Ukraine
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/24/politics/us-allies-alarm-ukraine-framework/index.html
Trump’s own strange and tepid wording illustrates his one-sided Ukraine peace plan
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-own-strange-tepid-wording-040050375.html
CNBC: Trump tells Putin to 'STOP!' Russian strikes on Kyiv
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/24/trump-putin-russia-ukraine-kyiv.html
Comment: Despite Trump's claim of having a good personal relationship with Putin, do you think "Vladimir" is paying much attention to Trump's requests?
NBC News: 'Vladimir, STOP!' says Trump as Putin launches worst attack on Ukraine in months
Politico: White House debates lifting sanctions on Russian energy assets, Nord Stream
Trump and Zelenskiy clash again and US warns it could abandon Ukraine talks
Trump accuses Zelensky of harming Ukraine peace negotiations
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78jx68d922o
Mexico Bans Kristi Noem’s ‘Foreign Propaganda’ ICE Barbie Ads
https://share.newsbreak.com/crf5zhw8
Marco Rubio announces overhaul of U.S. State Department : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/22/nx-s1-5372587/marco-rubio-announces-overhaul-of-u-s-state-department
Opinion: How does butchering the State Department ‘make America great’?
https://share.newsbreak.com/crf2xkjo
The New Republic: Take a Wild Guess What State Department Office Marco Rubio Just Killed
https://newrepublic.com/post/194251/marco-rubio-state-department-eliminate-russia-office
Comment: "the Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations, or CSO—the agency responsible for documenting Russian war crimes in Ukraine"
AP News: What do ‘expert level’ talks signal for the progress of the Iran-US nuclear negotiations?
politico.eu: Trump may get a nuclear deal — on Iran’s terms
https://www.politico.eu/article/trump-may-get-a-nuclear-deal-on-irans-terms/
NPR: China warns of 'countermeasures' against any deals that harm its interest
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/21/g-s1-61668/china-tariffs-trump-trade
‘Bonkers crazypants’: American diplomats shaken by reports of possible cuts
https://www.yahoo.com/news/bonkers-crazypants-american-diplomats-shaken-152821528.html
CBS News: Salvadoran Catholic leader urges Bukele not to turn country into U.S. prison
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jose-luis-escobar-el-salvador-nayib-bukele-us-prison/
Vatican notes ‘exchange of opinions’ with Vance over migrants and prisoners | PBS News
Vatican notes ‘exchange of opinions’ over migrants, prisoners in meeting with Vance
CNN: Trump administration ready to recognize Russian control of Crimea as part of framework to end Ukraine war, source says
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/19/europe/trump-administration-crimea-peace-talks-intl/index.html
politico.eu: US could abandon Ukraine ceasefire talks in ‘days’ if progress stalls, Rubio warns
https://www.politico.eu/article/us-ukraine-ceasefire-doable-marco-rubio/
Axios: Trump ranted to aides about washing his hands of Russia-Ukraine
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/18/trump-russia-ukraine-rant-walking-away
Trump admin closes State Department office battling foreign disinformation
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-admin-closes-state-department-213533841.html
'Everybody's to blame': Trump accuses Zelenskyy of starting Russia's war on Ukraine
https://share.newsbreak.com/co7sa8gz
The Guardian: Civilian deaths in Sumy attack may force Washington to get tough with Putin | Ukraine
CNN: ‘This isn’t Russia, never was, and never will be’: Ukrainians living under occupation fear Trump’s peace talks
The Guardian: US ‘demands control’ from Ukraine of key pipeline carrying Russian gas
The Guardian: Panama opposition party accuses US of ‘camouflaged invasion’
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/12/panama-hegseth-us-invasion-canal
America's news TV channel for the Mideast fires its staff after funding cuts
https://www.yahoo.com/news/americas-news-tv-channel-mideast-175434485.html
Ukraine’s key allies meet without US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the room | CNN
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/11/europe/ukraine-defense-summit-brussels-intl/index.html
Axios: U.S. and Iran see Saturday's nuclear talks as test of whether other side wants a deal
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/11/us-iran-nuclear-talks-what-deal-looks-like
Scoop: Gabbard installs Iran dove to prepare Trump's intel briefing
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/11/gabbard-iran-ruger-trump-intel-briefing
The Times of Israel: White House: All options on table for Iran over nuclear program
CNN: US-China rivalry over Panama Canal sparks tensions, leaving Panama caught in war of words
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/10/americas/analysis-us-china-panama-canal-rivalry-intl-latam/index.html
The Guardian: Pentagon chief says US could 'revive' Panama bases
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/10/pentagon-chief-pete-hegseth-us-panama-bases-canal
As Trump alienates allies with US tariffs, China is poised to exploit the gaps
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-alienates-allies-us-tariffs-222944463.html
AP News: A video shows men identified as Russian troops holding Ukrainian POWs. Then the killing begins
Trump’s Iran talks raise big questions on Capitol Hill
Axios: Scoop: Iran wants to explore interim nuclear deal in talks with U.S., sources say
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/10/iran-nuclear-deal-us-interim-agreement
AP News: Long, fraught timeline of tensions between Iran and the US as nuclear negotiations approach
Israeli soldiers reveal systematic destruction of Palestinian property to create Gaza buffer zone
https://www.yahoo.com/news/israeli-soldiers-reveal-systematic-destruction-144359354.html
CNN: ‘It’s like our friend started a fist fight with us’: These Europeans are skipping US travel
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/09/travel/european-travelers-skipping-us-trips/index.html
Axios: White House "will consider options" if Chinese are fighting for Russia in Ukraine
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/09/russia-chinese-soldiers-urkaine-white-house
The Guardian: Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy demands answers over Chinese nationals fighting for Russia
Trump's tariff blunder will generate retaliation, retribution against an isolated U.S.
https://share.newsbreak.com/cjcmvwkk
AP News: Pentagon official: US military has no authority to do drone strikes on drug cartels in Mexico
Reuters: Mexico would reject unilateral US military action, after drone strike report
NBC News: Trump administration weighs drone strikes on Mexican cartels
Japan says it wants to join a NATO command for the support of Ukraine | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/japan-defense-nato-rutte-china-15de39e226c57a893fbf9755f600dcdb
Trump was touting his Panama victory. Then China stepped in.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/trump-panama-canal-take-back-military-china-blackrock-rcna199438
CNBC: China says it will 'fight to the end' after Trump threatens 50% additional tariffs
BBC: Trump says US in direct nuclear talks with Iran
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx25e5rd2v9o
The Hill: Putin isn’t negotiating peace — he’s laughing at America
Axios: GOP Rep: Adversaries are "laughing at us" over NSA firings
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/06/nsc-nsa-firings-loomer
ABC News: Trump's top economic adviser says 50 countries have reached out to negotiate tariffs
Comment: Here's the Administration's "spin." We can check the Administration's credibility by evaluating future impacts to our economy and foreign relations. Right now, neither appear to be doing very well.
The Guardian: Netanyahu heads to Washington to talk tariffs, Gaza and Iran with Trump
Israel changes account of Gaza medic killings after video showed deadly attack - BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0xp969n69o
CNN: Canada warns travelers of US border agents’ authority to search electronic devices
CNN: Blackwater founder Erik Prince joins security operation in Ecuador
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/05/americas/erik-prince-ecuador-intl-latam/index.html
Comment: Is this the action of a private company or is it related to US foreign policy?
The Hill: Zelensky hits US Embassy over ‘surprisingly disappointing’ response to Russian strike
CBS News: Rubio says Trump admin will know Russia's interest in Ukraine ceasefire soon, as Putin accused of stalling
AP News: Rubio tries to reassure wary allies of US commitment to NATO as Trump sends mixed signals
https://apnews.com/article/nato-us-security-ukraine-russia-rubio-210c5c3856ab32570f165ea31be5e39e
Russia on track to build artillery shell stockpile triple the size of the US's and Europe's combined: top US general
https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-track-build-artillery-shell-044653270.html
CNN: Hegseth expected to skip key meeting with allies on Ukraine support
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/03/politics/hegseth-expected-skip-ukraine-meeting/index.html
AP News: Top senator criticizes Pentagon ‘mid-level’ leaders on troop level plan in Europe
Sweeping Trump tariffs draw dismay and calls for talks from countries around the globe | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-us-world-reaction-5b8411d056e013015a0df6227b41dd5b
CNN: Hungary says it will pull out of ICC as Orban hosts Israel’s Netanyahu – who is wanted by the court
https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/03/world/hungary-withdraws-icc-intl/index.html
Trump tariffs list: The US global tariffs plan at a glance - BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1jxrnl9xe2o
Axios: Trump's tariffs list is missing one big country: Russia
https://www.axios.com/2025/04/02/trump-tariffs-russia-ukraine-ceasefire
The Guardian: Israel is ‘seizing territory’ and will ‘divide up’ Gaza, Netanyahu says
CNN: Israel announces expansion of military operation in Gaza to seize ‘large areas’ of land, ordering residents to leave
BBC.com: Germany decides to leave history in the past and prepare for war
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdjyjlkewr2o
Sir Richard Branson says history will remember this time as when the West’s trust in America ‘ended’
https://www.yahoo.com/news/sir-richard-branson-says-history-104630324.html ,
The Guardian: Greenland’s new PM rejects Trump’s latest threat: ‘We do not belong to anyone else’
The battle for Greenland intensifies as Denmark's PM visits island
Trump says U.S. will 'get Greenland,' military force may not be needed but not ruled out
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-says-u-greenland-military-005340629.html
The Guardian US: Trump news at a glance: Vance stakes US claim for Greenland as island’s new coalition insists it ‘belongs to us’
McConnell warns of ‘embarrassing naivete’ in Trump admin’s dealings with Putin while sharply criticizing Ukraine policy
https://www.yahoo.com/news/mcconnell-warns-embarrassing-naivete-trump-162852514.html
Axios: Scoop: Israeli Mossad asks African countries to take Palestinians from Gaza
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/28/israel-move-palestinians-gaza-indonesia-somalia
POLITICO: After Vance visit, Denmark tells US: Stop treating us like dirt
Vance tells Greenlanders they'd be better off with the U.S. : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/28/nx-s1-5343555/vance-greenland-visit
BBC.com: Vance scolds Denmark during Greenland trip as Trump says US must have island.
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cwyd5zr20gdt
The Hill: Steve Witkoff has no business negotiating between Russia and Ukraine
Canada takes to billboards in Central Florida to protest US tariffs
https://www.wesh.com/article/canada-billboards-central-florida-protest-us-tariffs/64300452
Trump warns EU and Canada not to team up to resist tariffs—they must take the beating or worse will follow
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-warns-eu-canada-not-112433906.html
Comment: Will the rest of those on the playground work together to stand up to the bully?
Axios: "Chaos and uncertainty": Canadian leaders blast U.S. auto tariffs
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/27/trump-tariffs-canada-autos
Change in itinerary for US Vice President JD Vance brings cautious relief for Greenland and Denmark
POLITICO: Danish PM to Greenlanders: ‘You have not been cowed’ by Trump
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/26/danish-pm-greenland-trump-vance-00253034
The Guardian: Canada’s ex-spy chief says White House response to Signal leak threatens ‘Five Eyes’ security
Fortune: The European Union just issued a dire warning to its 450 million citizens: Stockpile supplies and prepare for disaster
https://fortune.com/2025/03/26/eu-citizens-stockpile-food-water-essentials-72-hours-hadja-lahbib/
The Guardian: Danish PM accuses US of ‘unacceptable pressure’ over planned Greenland visit
The Guardian US: US war plans leak shows Five Eyes allies must ‘look out for ourselves’, says Mark Carney
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/25/trump-signal-leak-reaction-canada-five-eyes
The Associated Press: America’s allies alarmed by a leaked group chat about attack plans
https://apnews.com/article/attack-yemen-us-chat-leaked-allies-79cb2073cff6d7ceb00c43da39757f66
The Guardian: Stunning Signal leak reveals depths of Trump administration’s loathing of Europe
The Guardian: Ukraine ceasefire deal looks like a Russian wishlist tied with a US bow
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/25/russia-ukraine-ceasefire-trump
Trump's promise of a quick end to Ukraine war gets a reality check after talks end with no deal
The Associated Press: Oscar-winning Palestinian director is attacked by Jewish settlers and arrested, activists say
https://apnews.com/article/no-other-land-oscar-israel-palestinians-084c63f33e748a3279646759e9b705c2
US senators push Trump administration on Russian assets, letter says
https://share.newsbreak.com/c98goqgn
Trump’s decision to cut Radio Free Europe comes at a great cost to democracy
Anger in Greenland over visits this week by Usha Vance and Mike Waltz
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/24/greenland-usha-vance-mike-waltz-visit-anger
Trump says any country buying Venezuelan oil will face a 25% tariff
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/24/business/trump-venezuela-oil-tariffs/index.html
CNN: Israel approves controversial proposal to facilitate emigration of Palestinians from Gaza
Canada amongst countries like the U.K., Germany and others in Europe issuing advisories about U.S. travel
Former NATO commander on Trump giving up alliance role: ‘Nothing could make the Kremlin happier’
https://share.newsbreak.com/c98rzk4d
The Hill: Why pulling out of military exercises in Europe is a strategic blunder
https://thehill.com/opinion/5207711-us-military-exercises-europe/
Fortune: Trump's special envoy involved in talks to end Russia's war on Ukraine says 'I don't regard Putin as a bad guy'
CNN: ‘It’s not what he expected’: Rubio has competition for the role of America’s top diplomat
The Times of Israel: US avoids commenting on Katz’s threat to begin annexing parts of Gaza
The Hill: Silencing America’s voice overseas undermines national security
https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/5203032-us-agency-global-media-disinformation/
CNN: West Bank: Israeli outposts have proliferated since Oct. 7, new analysis shows
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/20/middleeast/israel-west-bank-herding-outposts-intl-invs/index.html
The Associated Press: Canada in talks with the EU to reduce US defense reliance: AP source
https://apnews.com/article/canada-defense-european-union-trump-f35-b2ced39c577c8dff6d3718007440db5c
Canada strikes radar system deal with Australia to defend Arctic as it shifts away from US reliance
https://share.newsbreak.com/c6cg94qn
The Associated Press: The EU wants to break its security dependency on the US and buy more European weapons
The Hill: Democrat on Trump-Putin call: ‘Russia remains the obstacle to peace’
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5201703-chris-coons-trump-putin-call/
Axios: Trump and Putin announce pause on Russia-Ukraine energy infrastructure strikes
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/18/trump-putin-call-ukraine-war
CNN: ‘How gratifying’: Cheers in China as Trump dismantles Voice of America
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/17/china/china-cheers-trump-cut-voice-of-america-intl-hnk/index.html
NBC News: The Trump administration axed Voice of America, and China's state media are delighted
All full-time workers at Voice of America put on leave following Trump directive
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-signs-order-to-cut-staff-at-voice-of-america-media/
Words of advice for Trump ahead of high-stakes call with Putin - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/17/trump-call-putin-00234831
CNN: Trump says Ukraine-Russia peace talks looking at ‘dividing up certain assets’
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/17/politics/trump-putin-meeting-ukraine-intl-hnk/index.html
BBC.com: Germany set to vote on historic increase in defence spending
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg102564g2o
The Hill: Putin’s real goal: Destroy NATO
https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/5194728-putin-nato-geopolitics/
The Associated Press: 'Danish Viking blood is boiling.' Danes boycott US goods with fervor as others in Europe do so too
https://apnews.com/article/denmark-europe-france-boycott-usa-trump-6e4b568ef4ae5705ac200a3986a8ebf6
CNN: ‘Massive gift to America’s enemies’: Activists decry cuts to government-funded networks
CNN: To many in Europe, Trump has punched holes in NATO’s nuclear umbrella
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/16/europe/trump-nato-umbrella-europe-intl/index.html
Macron says Russia’s permission not needed to deploy troops in Ukraine | France | The Guardian
Canadian ambassador to US Kristen Hillman on Trump 51st state remarks: 'We take seriously our sovereignty'
POLITICO: Countries weigh how to stand up to Trump’s tariff barrage
CNN: Zelensky says ‘no encirclement’ of Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk region, accusing Putin of lying
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/15/europe/zelensky-putin-kursk-encircle-russia-ukraine-intl/index.html
Vladimir Putin says Ukraine must surrender after Donald Trump calls for soldiers to be spared - ABC News
CNN: Putin’s stalling on the US plan for Ukraine looks like an attempt to play Trump
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/14/politics/putin-russia-ukraine-deal-trump/index.html
CNN: How not to end a war: 3 lessons from the last time Ukraine and Russia agreed a ceasefire deal
Bloomberg: Carney Reviews Canada’s Order of F-35 Jets Amid Rift With US
POLITICO Europe: EU lays out ‘massive investment’ boost in defense to deter Russia
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-lays-out-massive-investment-boost-in-defense-to-deter-russia/
The Associated Press: AP Exclusive: US and Israel look to Africa for moving Palestinians uprooted from Gaza
The Associated Press: Voice of America ending contracts with Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France Presse
https://apnews.com/article/voa-government-media-contracts-2bd47cf0c1bbcdc5cbe08eea030c1454
CNN: Fear and resignation after ‘world’s most powerful company’ pays Trump a $100 billion ‘protection fee’
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/13/tech/taiwan-tsmc-us-investment-reactions-intl-hnk/index.html
Putin suggests Russia won't accept Trump's plan for unconditional ceasefire
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/13/putin-responds-russia-ukraine-ceasefire-plan
Video: A new post-NATO Europe? EU has 'lost confidence' and 'no longer trusts' the U.S.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/post-nato-europe-eu-lost-161114853.html
CNBC: Russia plays hardball over a ceasefire deal as U.S. officials head to Moscow
The Hill: America’s retreat leaves a leadership void that the free world must fill
The Times of Israel: US hostage envoy Boehler reportedly taken off Israel file after interviews go sideways
The Times of Israel: Trump says ‘nobody’s expelling any Palestinians,’ in apparent softening of Gaza plan
BBC.com: Who is Doug Ford, the Canadian premier standing up to Trump?
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7vz0e5pl80o
NPR: The U.S. buys electricity from Canada. Now it's a focus of the trade war
The Guardian: Israel to occupy Syrian southern territory for ‘unlimited time’, says minister
'Very bad for Russia': Trump issues warning as US awaits response to ceasefire proposal
https://www.yahoo.com/news/very-bad-russia-trump-issues-171332944.html
The Guardian US: What leverage does Trump have over Putin in Ukraine negotiations?
POLITICO Europe: Putin orders swift expulsion of Ukrainian forces before peace talks
https://www.politico.eu/article/vladimir-putin-russian-troops-kursk-war-in-ukraine-peace-talks/
Comment: It doesn't sound like Putin is ready to accept Trump's ceasefire plan until Russia gets military advantage.
PBS NewsHour: Kremlin says it needs 'detailed information' on ceasefire proposal as U.S. arms begin flowing to Ukraine again
The Associated Press: EU chief says member countries must use a new defense loan to buy European, not American
https://apnews.com/article/eu-defense-spending-us-ukraine-8cbd54ba81c086aa8e47ea3a0971febb
CNBC: Ukraine agrees to U.S.-led ceasefire plan if Russia accepts
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/11/ukraine-agrees-to-us-led-ceasefire-plan-if-russia-accepts.html
The U.S. will resume Ukraine military aid and intelligence, as Kyiv approves ceasefire
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/11/nx-s1-5324651/ukraine-us-saudi-arabia-talks-russia-war
The Associated Press: US resumes military aid and intelligence sharing as Ukraine says it is open to a 30-day ceasefire
NPR: A bane for tyrants abroad, U.S.-funded networks fear fate under Kari Lake
Axios: U.S.-Israel tensions over Hamas meetings simmer ahead of Gaza talks
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/us-hamas-talks-gaza-hostage-ceasefire-deal
NPR: Hamas is offering a truce with Israel for 5 to 10 years, a U.S. official says
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/10/nx-s1-5323008/israel-hamas-gaza-ceasefire-discussions
The Guardian: Germany to reach out to France and UK over sharing of nuclear weapons
A US-run system alerts the world to famines. It’s gone dark after Trump slashed foreign aid
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-run-system-alerts-world-091323551.html
Reuters: France, Germany, Italy and UK back Arab plan for Gaza reconstruction
https://www.reuters.com/world/france-germany-italy-uk-back-arab-plan-gaza-reconstruction-2025-03-08/
Video: Ex-CIA Director predicts chilling effects of Trump’s move to ‘starve’ Ukraine of U.S. intelligence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kske-kEzWU
POLITICO: Europe scrambles to aid Ukraine after US intelligence cutoff
Video: Bolton has theory on why Trump threatened Russia with sanctions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Smj-BPxhEI
Breaking Defense: NGA suspends Ukraine’s access to commercial satellite imagery
https://breakingdefense.com/2025/03/nga-suspends-ukraines-access-to-commercial-satellite-imagery/
POLITICO: Trump says ‘we're doing very well with Russia,’ hours after threatening sanctions for bombing Ukraine
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/07/trump-ukraine-war-putin-00217246
Axios: Trump threatens sanctions against Russia and calls for peace talks "before it's too late"
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/07/trump-tariffs-russia-ukraine-war-cease-fire-deal
Comment: This seems like the latest reversal regarding foreign policy with Russia. Perhaps someone explained to Trump that Putin is not our friend. Perhaps Trump is feeling the outrage from the American people after his past attempts to cozy up to Putin.
Trump questions NATO allies' will for collective defense while casting doubt on U.S.' own treaty commitment - CBS News
The Guardian: China’s foreign minister condemns US imposition of tariffs as ‘two-faced’
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/07/china-foreign-minister-condemns-us-tariffs-two-faced
The Times of Israel: State Department: Arab plan for Gaza not ‘adequate’; Hamas can’t continue to exist there
Trump Just Cost the U.S. Access to Key Intelligence
https://share.newsbreak.com/bxkvvoxd
POLITICO Europe: Top Trump allies hold secret talks with Zelenskyy’s Ukrainian opponents
The world is beginning to tire of Trump’s whiplash leadership
https://www.yahoo.com/news/world-beginning-tire-trump-whiplash-050052521.html
Trump tariffs: US expands exemptions to Canada and Mexico tariffs - BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y03qleevvo
The Times of Israel: Report: US believes Israel leaked information about direct talks with Hamas in attempt to sabotage them
The Times of Israel: Witkoff: Hamas should release hostages and leave Gaza
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/witkoff-hamas-should-release-hostages-and-leave-gaza/
The Guardian: ‘We are not the 51st anything’: viral Canada ad gets Trump-inspired update
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/06/we-are-canadian-ad-trump
Comment: Includes 2 humorous but inspirational Videos.
France shares intelligence with Ukraine after 'morally detestable' U.S. cut-off
https://share.newsbreak.com/bxl3vyve
CNN: France to consider protecting European allies with its nuclear arsenal, Macron says
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/05/europe/macron-france-nuclear-arsenal-ukraine-intl-hnk/index.html
Trudeau not willing to lift retaliatory tariffs if Trump leaves some tariffs on Canada | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/trudeau-trump-canada-tariffs-921138ff86144357b36610475d37801e
Tariff rollercoaster: Trump temporarily pauses Canada, Mexico levies for autos
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/tariffs-canada-mexico-trump
Ontario Premier Doug Ford reacts to Trump's tariffs, plans to remove American liquor and implement surcharge on electricity - ABC News
Axios: White House says Ukraine weapons and intel pause will lift when Russia talks set
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/us-ukraine-weapons-intelligence-sharing-pause-russia-talks
Trump officials say US paused intelligence sharing with Ukraine but signal it may not last long after fiery meeting
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/05/politics/us-pause-intelligence-support-ukraine/index.html
Trump administration pauses flow of intelligence to Ukraine that helps on battlefield
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-putin-trump-cia-zelenskyy-5eb2c8025f6bb4b616c86e1fe89bba0f
US stops sharing intelligence on Russia with Ukraine
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/05/us-stops-sharing-intelligence-on-russia-with-ukraine
CNN: Trump’s cut to Ukrainian military aid could leave millions of civilians exposed to Russian ballistic missiles
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/05/world/trump-cut-ukrainian-aid-patriot-missiles-intl/index.html
The Guardian: UK MPs condemn ‘deeply disrespectful’ JD Vance comments
NPR: Canada, China say fentanyl crisis is only a "pretext" for Trump's new tariffs
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/04/nx-s1-5317494/tariffs-fentanyl-canada-mexico-trump
The Guardian US: China and Canada retaliate after Trump trade tariffs come into effect
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/04/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-china
Canada hits back at US tariffs after warning of 'existential threat' - BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c89ye749nxvo
Trump tariffs on Canada and Mexico take effect | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-china-643086a6dc7ff716d876b3c83e3255b0
Reuters: Ukraine can hold out on frontline, Kyiv says after Trump's military aid pause
Ukraine's shock over US military aid pause
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwydq82e7r1o
Trump's pause on Ukraine aid is like the U.S. switching sides in WWII, expert says
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/trump-ukraine-aid-russia-putin-zelenskyy-rcna194649
Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine after Oval Office argument with Zelensky, White House official says
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/03/politics/trump-administration-ukraine-aid/index.html
King Charles ‘determined to play part’ in diplomacy as he welcomes Trudeau | King Charles III | The Guardian
Comment: Maybe, Trump will respond better to "another king."
The Hill: Canadian premier says he will cut off electricity exports to US ‘with a smile on my face’
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5173914-ontario-premier-doug-ford-tariff-threat/
‘A gift to Putin’s regime’: Russian Media and the Kremlin celebrating Trump’s Oval Office ambush
https://www.yahoo.com/news/gift-putin-regime-russian-media-212244859.html
Trump turns toward Russia, breaking with decades of U.S. policy
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-turns-toward-russia-breaking-213537390.html
The Guardian US: White House directs officials to draft proposal to lift US sanctions on Russia
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/03/trump-sanctions-russia
Water supply sabotaged on Swedish island key to warding off Russian navy
Top Republicans say they want Ukraine deal ‘back on track’ - Live Updates - POLITICO
Trump officials suggest Zelensky should step aside. Here’s why that’s nearly impossible | CNN
Starmer: Coalition of willing to guarantee Ukraine peace - BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vygkzkkrvo
Europe seeks to take control of Ukraine negotiations, after Zelensky’s nightmare Trump visit sparks panic | CNN
https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/02/europe/ukraine-russia-zelensky-starmer-summit-intl/index.html
Arab states and UN condemn Gaza aid blockade by Israel - BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70e6rye9nxo
Axios: Israel halts aid shipments to Gaza after ceasefire expires
https://www.axios.com/2025/03/02/israel-gaza-netanyahu-aid
The Hill: Waltz: ‘We do not see Ukraine being a member of NATO’
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5171542-mike-waltz-ukraine-nato/
US senator joins Elon Musk in calling for withdrawal from NATO
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-senator-joins-elon-musk-230643748.html
End of Nato alliance could be ‘days away’, warns former commander
https://www.yahoo.com/news/former-nato-commander-warns-end-172010796.html
Rubio signs declaration to expedite delivery of $4 billion in military aid to Israel
https://www.yahoo.com/news/rubio-signs-declaration-expedite-delivery-014129783.html
Foreign Affairs Magazine: How Not to End the War in Ukraine
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/russia/how-not-end-war-ukraine
Norwegian fuel supplier refuses U.S. warships over Ukraine
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/norwegian-fuel-supplier-refuses-u-s-warships-over-ukraine/
Ex-U.S. Ambassador To Russia Names The 'Giant Winner' In Trump-Vance Clash With Zelenskyy
https://www.yahoo.com/news/ex-u-ambassador-russia-names-075125070.html
How Zelensky's lack of a suit may have fuelled Oval Office spat - BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1d4r9yvqzpo
European leaders back Zelensky after Trump clash
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz9n5jq42pdo
Here's why China may benefit from Trump’s actions with Europe : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2025/02/28/nx-s1-5309799/trump-china-europe-foreign-policy
What they said: Trump, Zelenskyy and Vance’s heated argument in the Oval Office
Comment: Please read the transcript if you want to see who is mostly to blame for this foreign policy disaster.
Trump administration retreats in fight against Russian cyber threats
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/28/trump-russia-hacking-cyber-security
US Terminates Support for Ukraine’s Energy Restoration
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/48056
Podcast: Episode 1877 - "Who's that good for?" Rachael Maddow connects the dots on Donald Trump's behavior toward Russia.
https://www.fmradiofree.com/podcasts/the-rachel-maddow-show
Comment: Scroll down to episode 1877 then concentrate on podcast segment from 11 minutes in to 26 minutes, 30 secs. However, entire podcast is relevent.
Rubio praises Trump after explosive Zelensky meeting
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5169943-trump-rubio-endorsement-ukraine/
Comment: Spin control of foreign policy disaster from "Little Marco."
Zelenskyy leaves White House without signing minerals deal | AP News
Trump plans tariffs on Mexico and Canada for Tuesday, while doubling existing 10% tariffs on China
https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-71761a2894e13a050717afda4fd8131a
Axios: Global democracy score hits historic low: report
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/27/global-democracy-score-record-low-report
Trump creates more confusion on tariffs - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/26/trump-mexico-canada-tariff-confusion-00206197
Trump's Proposed Economic Rapprochement With Russia is Wrongheaded
https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/26/trump-russia-putin-sanctions-ukraine-war/
Senate GOP squirms over U.S. vote with Russia
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/senate-republicans-trump-un-vote-ukraine-russia
Axios: Exclusive: GOP staffers told to call occupied West Bank Judea and Samaria
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/west-bank-judea-samaria-name-change-gop?ref=upstract.com
Trump Gaza: AI video teases president's vision for takeover plan
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/26/trump-gaza-ai-video-israel-hamas-war
Comment: Apparently, Trump posted the video. Is it any wonder that many in the Middle East hate America?
Outrageous video about Gaza's future! Posted Under Donald Trump's Account on Truth Social
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114068387897265338
Comment: Is this a hack? Does Donald Trump approve of this Video? It's under his account!
Poll: Voters might like tariffs, but not on Canada and Mexico - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/25/poll-americans-tariffs-canada-mexico-00206081
Kremlin appears to contradict Trump on Ukraine peacekeepers
BBC.com: US sides with Russia in UN resolutions on invasion of Ukraine
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7435pnle0go
USA TODAY: Whiplash: Trump orders U-turn after 3 years of U.S. support for Ukraine in war with Russia
Western leaders visit Ukraine, pledge military support against Russia | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-anniversary-84e4c62519fc15b34e17f661cf3dd20e
Mike Waltz rejects the idea of Ukraine joining NATO amid peace talks - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/24/mike-waltz-ukraine-nato-00205737
The Associated Press: US refuses to blame Russia for Ukraine war, splitting with European allies in UN votes
The Associated Press: After years of firm support, 10 days upended the US approach to Ukraine
BBC.com: Trump says Starmer and Macron 'haven't done anything' to end Ukraine war
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g0mlm7zdlo
Facing pressure from Trump, Costa Rica and Honduras join Panama as stopovers for foreign deportees | AP News
The Hill: Haley admonishes Trump for Ukraine stance: ‘Exactly what Putin wants’
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5154949-haley-trump-russia-ukraine-war/
Video: Trump apparently oblivious to political damage of his embrace of Russia
The Associated Press: Russia seems to have time on its side as the war in Ukraine reaches its third year
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-putin-trump-zelenskyy-f334a0922cecf08b4c78de75aca6d9ea
Trump and Zelenskyy trade barbs as US-Ukraine relations sour over the war with Russia
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-kellogg-zelenskyy-437f4c8fa4531059007dd3ab00c23458
Zelenskyy hits back against Trump's comments blaming Ukraine for the war with Russia
https://www.npr.org/2025/02/19/nx-s1-5302023/ukraine-zelenskyy-trump-russia-war
The Guardian: Kyiv’s White House wooing implodes as Zelenskyy tells the truth about Trump | Julian Borger
BBC.com: Fact-checking Donald Trump's claims about war in Ukraine
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9814k2jlxko
Trump says Ukraine could have made a deal earlier
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd0n5e1pdz9o
Top Russian and US officials meet in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine war talks without Kyiv | AP News
The Guardian: Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy rejects ‘quick win’ ceasefire sought by US
Russia hardens demands in first talks with US as Ukraine is sidelined
https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-hardens-demands-first-talks-162112239.html
Intelligence warns Russia ‘preparing for war with NATO’
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/intelligence-warns-russia-preparing-for-war-with-nato/
POLITICO Europe: ‘Freezing’ Ukraine war would allow Russia to threaten NATO, Latvian intelligence warns
NBC News: Read the full transcript: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy interviewed by “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker
NPR: European leaders scramble ahead of Trump's Ukraine summit with Putin
https://www.npr.org/2025/02/17/nx-s1-5299750/europe-trump-putin-ukraine-summit
The Guardian: Europe tries to shore up fragile unity as it realises it cannot rely on US
European leaders gather for emergency meeting after Trump shuts them out of Ukraine talks
The Associated Press: Top Russian and American officials will hold talks on ending the Ukraine war without Kyiv
https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-us-saudi-talks-0c7f21c2125c97fd0a1f6459eebeb65b
POLITICO: This is Not Marco Rubio’s State Department
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/02/17/marco-rubio-state-department-toosi-00204407
CBS News: Rubio says "we have a long ways to go" before peace talks over ending Russia, Ukraine war
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marco-rubio-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-face-the-nation/
US presented Ukraine with a document to access its minerals but offered almost nothing in return
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-presented-ukraine-document-access-051106468.html
POLITICO Europe: As US recedes, NATO scrambles to find a new leader
Israel’s Netanyahu signals he’s moving ahead with Trump’s idea to transfer Palestinians from Gaza
ProPublica: Trump Official Destroying USAID Secretly Met With Christian Nationalists Abroad in Defiance of U.S. Policy
The Associated Press: Europe quietly works on a plan to send troops to Ukraine for post-war security
Hegseth tells Europe to spend on defence as US presence may not last forever
https://www.yahoo.com/news/hegseth-tells-europe-spend-defence-111300096.html
US relations with Europe will never be the same after Trump’s call with Putin
https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-relations-europe-never-same-050046052.html
Putin-Trump phone call shows 'Europe's time is over', Russia's Medvedev says
https://www.yahoo.com/news/putin-trump-phone-call-shows-092534083.html
NATO is in disarray after the US announces that its security priorities lie elsewhere
https://www.yahoo.com/news/nato-disarray-us-announces-security-122656717.html
The Guardian: Pete Hegseth says ‘everything is on the table’ to end Ukraine war
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/13/pete-hegseth-says-everything-on-table-end-ukraine-war
Macron says only Ukrainian President Zelenskiy can negotiate peace for his country
https://www.yahoo.com/news/macron-says-only-ukrainian-president-003339031.html
The Associated Press: New tariffs announced and Trump and Modi meet
https://apnews.com/live/trump-presidency-updates-2-13-2025
Ukraine says it will not accept US-Russia peace deal reached without Kyiv
https://www.yahoo.com/news/ukraine-says-not-accept-us-143646310.html
Ukraine's Zelenskyy speaks of 'detailed' phone conversation with US President Trump
https://www.yahoo.com/news/ukraines-zelenskyy-speaks-detailed-phone-220625172.html
POLITICO: Trump’s Envoy Lets Loose on the Panama Canal and ‘Imminent’ Change in Cuba
AL.com: Halting global agriculture programs puts U.S. national security at risk: op-ed from Alabama farmer
The Associated Press: Christian aid groups receive millions in USAID funds. Now their humanitarian work is collapsing
ABC News: US embassies instructed to prepare for staff reductions: Sources
Trump hosts King of Jordan and insists he has 'U.S. authority' to take over Gaza
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-hosts-king-jordan-insists-195030064.html
The Guardian US: Trump says Palestinians will have no right of return to Gaza under his plan
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/10/trump-buy-gaza-plan
The Associated Press: Trump says he is serious about Canada becoming 51st state in Super Bowl interview
The Associated Press: Trump says he wants to negotiate about Ukraine. It’s not clear if Putin really does
https://apnews.com/article/putin-trump-russia-ukraine-war-51adbc0cde5a9ca0eaabf46153eb9580
The Guardian US: Authoritarian regimes around the world cheer on dismantling of USAid
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/06/authoritarian-usaid-elon-musk
USAID to keep on fewer than 300 staff, as thousands placed on leave - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/06/usaid-staff-thousands-on-leave-00203024
The Associated Press: Trump administration plans to slash all but a fraction of USAID jobs, officials say
https://apnews.com/article/trump-usaid-musk-doge-7ec0a2b4032d4782d41c00164003b5de
Donald Trump: Gaza will be given to US by Israel
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5133161-donald-trump-gaza-proposal-israel-takeover/
International Criminal Court condemns US sanctions move | UN News
https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/02/1159911
The Associated Press: Here's how Rubio's first trip abroad as top US diplomat got overshadowed by foreign policy at home
https://apnews.com/article/rubio-panama-canal-gaza-migration-usaid-b148af6bb15da37a8b6e4edf5a873829
ABC News: 'Border czar' Tom Homan threatens military action against Mexican cartels if necessary
Yahoo Finance: 'I Love Canada More Than I Love Spotify'—Canadians Are Canceling Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, And Spotify En Masse, Despite The Tariff Pause
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/love-canada-more-love-spotify-203038519.html
Flash News: US Army Deploys 11th Airborne and 10th Mountain Divisions to Arctic to Secure Strategic Interests
The Associated Press: In their own words: What Trump said about Gaza and how top administration officials contradicted him
The Associated Press: Egypt lobbies against Trump plan to empty Gaza of Palestinians as Israel makes preparations
The Guardian: Israel tells army to prepare plans for Palestinians to voluntarily leave Gaza
The Guardian: UN chief warns against ‘ethnic cleansing’ after Trump’s Gaza proposal
The Associated Press: Trump's suggestion that US 'take over' the Gaza Strip is rejected by allies and adversaries alike
https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-gaza-trump-netanyahu-db2c407baf803291a4acf6edfd708c48
The Guardian: ‘Waterfront property’: what are Trump’s real estate interests in Palestine?
Reuters: Gazans in Egypt reject displacement, grapple with decision when to go home
OilPrice.com: OPEC to Trump We Set the Price, Not You
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Crude-Oil/OPEC-to-Trump-We-Set-the-Price-Not-You.html
The Guardian US: US state department fires security and personal services contractors
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/06/state-department-fires-contractors
The Associated Press: US plans to seize Venezuelan president's plane held in Dominican Republic during Rubio visit
https://apnews.com/article/us-venezuela-rubio-dominican-republic-f99ceddd5a6f40aea1bb6e17b29b6083
Forbes: USAID Controversy Live Updates: Marco Rubio Suggests Some Parts Will ‘Reorganize’—Rest ‘May Be Abolished’
Axios: Ending USAID climate programs could increase security risks
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/03/usaid-programs-climate-adaptation-resilience
Axios: Where USAID funds are disbursed around the world
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/03/usaid-funds-spent-world
Rubio demands Panama curb Chinese influence around the canal : NPR
https://www.npr.org/2025/02/02/nx-s1-5284025/panama-canal-rubio-china-trump
The Guardian: Deaths predicted amid the chaos of Elon Musk’s shutdown of USAid
The Hill: Democrats slam Trump over reports he’ll merge USAID with State Department
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5120310-democrats-donald-trump-usaid-state-department/
Trump says USAID run by "lunatics" as Democrats seek answers on DOGE visit
https://www.axios.com/2025/02/03/usaid-doge-trump-musk-democrats-rubio
Why does Musk want USAID 'to die'? And why did its website disappear? : Goats and Soda : NPR
Canada will bring ‘forceful but reasonable’ retaliation to Trump tariffs, Trudeau says | Canada | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/31/trump-tariffs-canada-trudeau
Trudeau says Canada 'ready' for Trump tariffs as ministers make final push in D.C.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-trump-tariffs-1.7447136
Mexico has alternative plans to respond to Trump's tariff threats: President
The Associated Press: Trump says tariffs on Canada and Mexico coming Saturday, and he's deciding whether to tax their oil
https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-canada-mexico-oil-afb915762af6994573353135bcd30a1b
Trump announces withdrawal from UN human rights body and halt to funding for Palestinian refugees
The Times of Israel: ‘They’re gonna do it, okay’: Trump insists on Jordan, Egypt taking in Gazans
The Guardian: Nearly half of Danes see US as threat and 78% oppose Greenland sale, poll shows
POLITICO Europe: Republican senator jabs Trump on Greenland: It’s an ally, not an asset
NPR: Effective immediately: CDC can't talk to WHO. What will that mean for world health? : Goats and Soda
Canada Tariff Biggest Threat To Great Lakes Since War Of 1812
Forbes: The U.S. Halt In Foreign Aid ‘Could Mean Life Or Death For Millions’
Trump threatens ‘disciplinary action’ for USAid staff ignoring foreign aid freeze
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/26/trump-threatens-disciplinary-action-usaid-staff
Funding for AIDS relief program to stop after foreign aid pause ordered
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/funding-aids-relief-pepfar-foreign-aid-millions-medication/
The Guardian US: What would happen if the US military went after cartels on Mexican soil?
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/27/mexico-cartels-us-military
Trump wants Egypt and Jordan to take in Palestinians from Gaza. Here’s why the idea is rejected
NBC News: Trump says he wants to 'clean out' Gaza and move Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt
The Associated Press: Trump wants Jordan and Egypt to accept more Palestinian refugees and floats plan to 'clean out' Gaza
https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-israel-bomb-gaza-hamas-war-023b36984c6116c128b5e47f117bba2a
Trump eyes asylum agreement with El Salvador to deport immigrants there
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-eyes-asylum-agreement-el-salvador-deportation-migrants/
The Bulwark: Using Military Jets for Deportations Is an Ugly, Wasteful Spectacle
https://www.thebulwark.com/p/military-jets-deportations-ugly-wasteful-spectacle
Co-operate or else: Trump's Colombia face-off is warning to all leaders
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cglynrxjyl5o
Reuters Canada: Colombia's Petro will not allow US planes to return migrants
Trump says he could send US special operators after Mexican drug cartels. It could make things a lot worse.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-says-could-send-us-123002521.html
Mexico refuses to accept a U.S. deportation flight
https://www.yahoo.com/news/mexico-refuses-accept-u-deportation-000155641.html
Trump says he believes US will 'get Greenland'
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crkezj07rzro
The Guardian: Tension and defiance in Panama after Trump threatens to ‘take back’ canal
Trump aims to cut US force in Europe by 20,000, compel subsidies from allies, Italian report says | Stars and Stripes
https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2025-01-24/trump-europe-troop-cuts-16590074.html
The Hill: Trump had ‘fiery’ call with Danish prime minister over Greenland: Report
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5105602-donald-trump-greenland-denmark/
POLITICO: ‘Hit Him Back Twice as Hard’: Canada’s No. 1 Populist Has a Risky Trump Strategy
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/01/25/doug-ford-trump-trade-resistance-00200457
Reuters: NATO chief Rutte says Europe will pay for US arms for Ukraine
The Guardian: Nato chief urges ‘step up’ in support for Ukraine
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/23/nato-chief-ukraine-russia-vladimir-putin-mark-rutte
NBC News: Trump suggests Ukraine shouldn't have fought back against Russia
Canada will ‘respond robustly’ if Trump imposes ‘unfair tariffs,’ says PM Trudeau
The Hill: What would it take for US to reclaim the Panama Canal?
https://thehill.com/homenews/5098713-what-would-it-take-for-us-to-reclaim-the-panama-canal/
The Guardian: Trump says China is ‘operating’ the Panama Canal – here are the facts
Trump suspends US foreign assistance for 90 days pending reviews
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-suspends-us-foreign-assistance-022951918.html
The Hill: 5 takeaways as Rubio promises to make State Department ‘relevant again’
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5088054-rubio-state-department-confirmation/
NPR: In Syria's Golan Heights buffer zone, residents fear Israel is making a land grab
https://www.npr.org/2025/01/23/g-s1-43325/syria-golan-heights-israel
As fighting in Gaza stops, Israel launches major military campaign in West Bank
https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/21/middleeast/israel-west-bank-operation-intl/index.html
Trump's Treasury pick Bessent calls for stronger sanctions on Russia over Ukraine war | Reuters
UK leader Starmer signs '100-year partnership' agreement with Ukraine during trip to Kyiv | AP News
Trump wants a quick end to the Ukraine war. That's a tall order
https://www.npr.org/2025/01/16/nx-s1-5258183/ukraine-russia-trump-peace
Ukraine and Russia launch major strikes on each other with Trump’s inauguration days away
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/01/15/europe/ukraine-russia-strikes-trump-inauguration-intl
Trump and Biden both claim credit for Gaza ceasefire deal | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/gaza-ceasefire-trump-biden-israel-hamas-0e6c324ba0e3e9413bafe740fdefebc6
What we know about the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, and what it means for Gaza and the hostages
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-hamas-ceasefire-gaza-rcna187913
Ukraine war briefing: US House speaker dumps key Ukraine backer Mike Turner | Ukraine | The Guardian
POLITICO: Johnson removes Mike Turner as Intel chair
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/15/johnson-removes-mike-turner-as-intel-chair-00198522
Exclusive-Trump team asks three US senior career diplomats to resign, sources say
https://share.newsbreak.com/ax5qs533
The Associated Press: Trump, the ‘America First’ candidate, has a new preoccupation: Imperialism
Denmark boosts Greenland defence after Trump repeats desire for US control
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgzl19n9eko.amp
Trump wants U.S. control of Greenland, Denmark objects
Greenland PM reiterates ‘we are not for sale’ after Trump suggests US ownership | Donald Trump | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/dec/23/trump-buying-greenland-ownership
Trump renews calls to buy Greenland from Denmark | PBS News
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-renews-calls-to-buy-greenland-from-denmark
Trump says ownership of Greenland 'is an absolute necessity'
Trump floats buying Greenland for U.S. amid Panama Canal dispute
https://www.axios.com/2024/12/23/trump-buying-greenland-us-ownership-plan
The Associated Press: Trump threatens to try to take back the Panama Canal. Panama's president balks at the suggestion
https://apnews.com/article/trump-panama-canal-turning-point-unity-97cba0d41f043dd9f156dc8355ee3f44
BBC.com: Trump threatens to try and regain control of Panama Canal
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c98l9wj67jgo
For News Articles links from before the 2024 election that were previously listed here, please go to:
https://sites.google.com/view/demoldnews/home/old-foreign-policy?authuser=0
There you will find a continuation of the news links & comments from the period prior to the November 2024 election
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